Sensor pod coverage and placement on vehicle

ABSTRACT

A sensor pod system includes one or more sensor pods with a plurality of sensors configured to collect data from an environment. A sensor pod may have an effective field of view created by individual sensors with overlapping fields of view. The sensor pod system may include sensors of different types and modalities. Sensor pods of the sensor pod system may be modularly disposed on a vehicle, for example, an autonomous vehicle to collect and provide data of the environment during operation of the vehicle. The sensor pods may be disposed at elevated locations around the vehicle to reduce obstacles within the sensor pods fields of view.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles in operation today are designed to perceive theirsurroundings using sensors. The sensors are often integrated into thevehicle, for example, in vehicle body panels. Integration into thevehicle body, however, often limits the field of view of the sensors. Inother examples, sensors may be mounted to an exterior of a vehicle, suchas on a roof of the vehicle. However, placement of the sensors on theexterior of the vehicle increases a likelihood of the sensor impactingan external object potentially causing damage to the sensor and/or theobject impacted. These and other issues are complicated by the numberand type of sensors to be included on the vehicle. While sensortechnology is improving, compact, electric, bidirectional, and/orautonomous vehicles have unique components and configurations that,under certain conditions, conventional sensor systems may beinsufficient to provide data to the vehicle during operation or maycause long delays while the sensors are replaced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical components or features.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example vehicle having one or moresensor pods to collect and provide data to the autonomous vehicle, inaccordance with examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the example vehicle of FIG. 1 with sensor pods,in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of FIG. 2 showing fields of view andoptical axis of the sensor pods.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the example vehicle shown in FIGS. 1-3 .

FIG. 5 is a top view of an example sensor pod, in accordance withexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sensor pod detached from anillustrative vehicle mount, in accordance with examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an illustrative sensor pod, in accordancewith examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sensor pod with an external housingremoved to show internal components, in accordance with examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sensor pod with portions of anexternal housing removed to show some internal components, trimcomponents, and pedestrian protection systems, in accordance withexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a process and technique to manageenergy from an impact through energy management structures in thecontext of the sensor pod of FIGS. 9 and 10 .

FIGS. 11-13 are illustrations of processes and technique to calibratesensor pods, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example system for implementing thetechniques of FIGS. 11-13 .

FIG. 15 is a close-up perspective view of portions of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a process and technique to clean sensorsof a sensor pod, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, conventional sensor placement integrated into thebody of the vehicle may not provide sufficient sensor coverage, may betime consuming to replace. For example, for a sensor that is embeddedwithin the body, for example, a body panel, the process to remove andreplace the sensor often requires the removal of the body panel and/orother portions of the vehicle. This can be a relatively long andinvolved process preventing the vehicle to be in service. When sensorsare mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, the sensors may impact anexternal object potentially causing damage to the sensor and/or theobject impacted

This application relates to structures and techniques for improvingsensor placement, packaging, maintenance, and replacement, whileproviding protection to pedestrians. In examples, the sensors may bedisposed in self-contained assemblies or “sensor pods” that areremovably coupled to the vehicle. Multiple sensor pods, for examplefour, may be disposed around an exterior of the vehicle to providecoverage for an environment surrounding the vehicle.

For example, a sensor pod may include a frame comprising a mountinginterface removably coupling the sensor pod to a vehicle. In examples,the sensor pod may include multiple sensors mounted to locations on theframe where each location provides the respective sensor a field of viewthat complements the fields of view of the other sensors in the sensorpod to create an effective field of view for each sensor pod. Inexamples, the sensor pod may have multiple sensor types. For example,several of the sensors may be imaging sensors, for example, cameras(e.g., RGB-cameras, monochrome cameras, intensity (grey scale) cameras,infrared cameras, ultraviolet cameras, depth cameras, stereo cameras,time-of flight (TOF) sensors, and the like), while other sensors may beranging or distancing sensors, for example, a light detection andranging (lidar) sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor,one or more ultrasonic transducers, such as a sound navigation andranging (SONAR) sensor, or another known sensor type. Other types ofsensors, such as inertial measurement sensors, and the like mayadditionally or alternatively be included in the sensor pods. Inexamples, the sensors of the same type within the sensor pod may havedifferent and/or overlapping fields of view to provide coverage for aportion of the environment surrounding the vehicle.

In examples, the frame may be cast and provide sensor locations throughcast surfaces. In examples, the cast frame provides a rigid mount forthe sensors, and spaces the sensors in the pod slightly away from thevehicle. The cast surfaces may provide mounting interfaces withsufficient accuracy without requiring a secondary process of machiningthe surfaces. Use of such mounting surfaces may, in some examples,reduce the computational resources required for calibration (e.g., byensuring that the sensors are placed within some known tolerance) aswell as by reducing the number of required calibrations by ensuringlittle to no movement when operating the vehicle.

In examples, the sensor pod may have a cleaning system with nozzlesdisposed adjacent to sensor surfaces to clean them. In examples, thenozzles may apply a pressurized fluid to clean the surfaces. Inexamples, the cleaning system may be fed by a centralized fluidreservoir that may supply multiple sensor pods. Fluid provided to aparticular sensor pod may be distributed to a multiple sensors withinthe sensor pod via a fluid manifold.

In examples, the sensor pod has a supply harness that may connect thesensor pod to the vehicle. The supply harness may provide power and thepressurized fluid to the sensor pod. In examples, the sensor pod mayalso have a sensor harness electrically coupled to the vehicle andelectrically coupled to the sensors to transmit sensor data from thesensors of the sensor pod to a computing system of the vehicle.

As discussed, in examples, the vehicle may have multiple sensor podsdisposed on the body of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle mayinclude a body having a first end and a second end distal to the firstend along a longitudinal axis with a first sensor pod, removably coupledto the body at a first location. In examples, the first location isadjacent to the first end and spaced from the longitudinal axis in afirst direction along a first transverse axis, at an elevation above aground interface. In examples, the vehicle may include a second sensorpod, a third sensor pod, and a fourth sensor pod distributed around thebody of the vehicle (e.g., proximate the four corners or quadrants ofthe vehicle). In examples, the first, second, third, and fourth sensorpods each have an effective sensor field of view. When mounted to thevehicle, a sensor pods effective sensor field of view overlaps with anadjacent sensor pods effective field of view. In examples, theoverlapping fields of view allow the sensor pods to see around theentire vehicle. In examples, the overlapping fields of view providesensor redundancy. For example, if a sensor pod is damaged ormalfunctions, the other three sensor pods still provide an effectivefield of view to see around the entire vehicle. In examples, a sensorpod's effective field of view is at least 270 degrees. In examples, theelevation of the sensor pods may be high enough to avoid or see over amajority of obstacles commonly encountered while driving. In examples,the sensor pods may be mounted at an elevation of at least about 4 feetand at most about 7 feet above the ground. In some examples, the sensorpods may be mounted proximate to or slightly below a top of the vehicle.For instance, a mount of each sensor pod may be coupled to the vehiclewithin about 18 inches of a top of the vehicle, and the sensor pod mayextend vertically above and/or below the mount location. In oneparticular example, a sensor pod may be mounted to a vehicle at about 5feet and 10 inches above the ground. In examples, the sensor pods mayextend above the top of the vehicle. In examples, the sensor pods may bemounted above the vehicle. In examples, the sensor pod is mounted atleast 5′10″ above the ground, but below one foot above the top of thevehicle body

In examples, the sensor pod may include pedestrian protection systems.For example, the sensor pod may include a frame coupled to a vehicle, asensor coupled to the frame and an impact structure coupled to theframe. In examples, the impact structure comprises an outer surface andan impact energy absorbing structure. The outer surface is configured tointerface with a pedestrian or other object during an impact. At least aportion of the outer surface is disposed outboard of the sensor relativeto the frame. The impact energy absorbing structure is disposed betweenthe outer surface and frame and is configured to absorb a portion ofenergy transferred through the outer surface from the impact. Inexamples, the impact energy absorbing structure comprises a stressconcentration zone, where the stress concentration zone causes localplastic deformation of the impact energy absorbing structure to absorbenergy from the impact. In examples, the outer surface may be configuredto move substantially uniformly during an impact. In examples, the outersurface may be configured to deflect up during impact to absorb someenergy from the impact. In examples, the sensor pod may have anothersensor disposed above the frame and coupled to the frame by a deformablefastener. In examples, the deformable fastener may deform during animpact to absorb energy from the impact. In examples, the deformablefastener may release the sensor if the energy from the impact exceeds athreshold. In examples, the sensor pod may include a baffle structurewhere the baffle structure contains crumple zones configured toplastically deform during an impact to absorb energy.

While certain examples are provided in the context of a vehicle havingsensor pods disposed proximate four corners of the vehicle and at anelevation near a top surface of the vehicle, in other examples othernumbers and configurations of sensor pods may be used and/or the sensorpods may be disposed at other locations (e.g., elevations, lateralspacing, and/or longitudinal spacing) relative to the vehicle.Additionally, while example sensor pods provided herein includeparticular combinations of sensors of multiple different types, in otherexamples, sensor pods incorporate fewer sensors of some types andadditional sensors of other types. In other examples, sensor pods mayinclude a larger number of some sensors disposed on the sensor pod toprovide a desired resolution or redundancy.

Illustrative Autonomous Vehicle with Sensor Pods

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example vehicle 100 having one or moresensor pod assemblies configured with multiple sensors to collectinformation about the surroundings of the autonomous vehicle, inaccordance with examples of the disclosure. The vehicle shown in FIG. 1is a bidirectional autonomous vehicle configured to operate according toa Level 5 classification issued by the U.S. National Highway TrafficSafety Administration, which describes a vehicle capable of performingall safety-critical functions for the entire trip, with the driver (oroccupant) not being expected to control the vehicle at any time.However, in other examples, the vehicle may be a fully or partiallyautonomous vehicle having any other level or classification. Moreover,in some instances, the energy management structures described herein maybe applicable to non-autonomous and/or non-bidirectional vehicles aswell. Also, while examples are given in which the vehicle is a landvehicle, the techniques described herein are also applicable to aerial,marine, and other vehicles.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle 100 includes a first sensor podassembly 102A and a second sensor pod assembly 102B (collectively“sensor pods 102”) coupled to a body 104. Each of the sensor podassemblies 102 in this example include multiple sensors and may includesystems or structures to clean or protect the sensor pod or othersduring an impact. For example, the sensor pod assembly 102A includes afirst sensor 106, a second sensor 108, and a third sensor 110. In someexample, these sensors may be of a first type, for example, an imagingsensor. In some examples, the sensor pod assembly 102A also includes afourth sensor 112 and a fifth sensor 114. In some examples, thesesensors may be of a second type, for example a light detection andranging (lidar) sensor.

In some examples, the sensor pod 102A also has an outer shell 116 ortrim. In some examples the outer shell 116 incorporates an energyabsorbing structure that may mitigate damage to an object that impactsthe sensor pod assembly 102A.

In some examples, the body 104 has additional sensors 118 disposed onthe body 104 away from the sensor pod assemblies 102.

In some examples, the vehicle 100 may have a longitudinal axis 120running the length of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the sensor podassembly 102A may be disposed on the body 104 at an elevation 122 abovea ground interface 124. In some examples, the sensor pod assembly 102Amay be located at a height or elevation on the vehicle such that thesensors of the sensor pod assembly are able to see over most obstaclesthat the vehicle may encounter. For example, it may be advantageous tosee over an obstacle allowing the vehicle's system to observe and reactto not only the obstacle, but also observe and react to any additionalobstacle or condition beyond the obstacle. In some examples, it isadvantageous to observe an obstacle from an elevated angle where theelevated angle may allow the vehicle's system to better determine one ormore of a distance, a closing rate, a status, a direction, among others.

In examples, the sensor pod 102A is mounted at an elevation of at leastabout 4 feet and at most about 7 feet above the ground. In examples, thesensor pod 102A is mounted proximate to or slightly below a top of thevehicle. For instance, a mount for a sensor pod may be coupled to thevehicle within about 18 inches of a top of the vehicle, and the sensorpod 102A may extend vertically above and/or below the mount location. Inone particular example, the sensor pod 102A is mounted to the vehicle atabout 5 feet and 10 inches above the ground. In examples, the sensor pod102A extends above the top of the vehicle. In examples, the sensor pod102A is mounted above the vehicle. In examples, the sensor pod 102A ismounted at least 5′10″ above the ground, but below one foot above thetop of the vehicle body.

In some examples, the sensor pod may be mounted to be greater than fivefeet above the ground. In some examples, the sensor pod may be mountedto be greater than five feet six inches above the ground. In someexamples, the sensor pod may be mounted to be greater than five feet teninches above the ground. In some examples, the sensor pod may be mountedto be greater than six feet above the ground. In some examples, thesensor pod may be mounted to be greater than six feet six inches abovethe ground. In some examples, the sensor pod may be mounted to begreater than seven feet above the ground.

In some examples, the sensor pod assembly is mounted below an elevationthreshold. In some examples, it may be beneficial to have the sensorselevated, it may also be beneficial to have the sensor pod assembly tobe mounted below an elevation. For example, if mounted too high, thesensor pod assembly may be at risk of impacting overhead obstacles suchas trees, signs, bridges, overpasses, wires, cabling, among others. Insome examples, if mounted too high, the sensor pod assembly may requireadditional support to provide sufficient stiffness or rigidity to reducesway or amplified vibrations. In some examples, the sensor pod may bemounted to be less than two feet above a roof of the vehicle. In someexamples, the sensor pod may be mounted to be less than 18 inches abovethe roof of the vehicle. In some examples, the sensor pod may be mountedto be less than one foot above the roof of the vehicle. In someexamples, the sensor pod may be mounted to be less than six inches abovethe roof of the vehicle. In some examples, the sensor pod may be mountedto be substantially flush with the roof of the vehicle. In someexamples, the sensor pod may be mounted to be below the roof of thevehicle.

The vehicle 100 in this example includes one or more computer systems126 to control operation of one or more systems of the vehicle 100. Forinstance, in the case of an autonomous vehicle, the computer system(s)126 may include one or more processors and memory and may be configuredto control the vehicle 100 to, among other things, receive and processsensor data from one or more sensors and to plan a route for the vehiclethrough an environment.

In some examples, the computer systems 126 controls operation of one ormore systems of the vehicle 100. For instance, in the case of anautonomous vehicle, the computer system(s) 126 may include one or moreprocessor(s) 128 and memory 130 communicatively coupled with the one ormore processor(s) 128 and may be configured to control the vehicle 100to, among other things, receive and process sensor data from one or moresensors and to plan a route for the vehicle through an environment. Insome examples, the computer system 126 may also include controller 132configured to control subsystems of the vehicle 100. For example,controller 132 may control a sensor cleaning system 134. In someexamples, cleaning system 134 may comprise a reservoir, fluid,pressuring, a pump, valves and may be connected to one or more of thesensor pods 102. In examples, the vehicle 100 comprises multiplecleaning systems 134. In examples, each of the cleaning systems 134 arecoupled to one or more of the sensor pods 102. In examples, one of themultiple cleaning systems 134 is coupled to a first subset of the sensorpods 102, for example, including the sensor pod 102A, and another of themultiple cleaning systems 134 is coupled to a second subset of thesensor pods 102, for example, including sensor pod 102B. In examples,the first and second subsets of the sensor pods 102 are distinct. Forexample the cleaning system 134 that is coupled to the sensor pod 102Awould not directly provide cleaning functions to the sensor pod 102B. Inexamples, the first and second subsets of the sensor pods 102 partiallyoverlap. In examples, the first and second subsets of the sensor pods102 completely overlap. For example, the multiple cleaning systems 134provide redundancy to each other. In some examples, the cleaning system134 is located within the body 104. In some examples, the cleaningsystem 134 is disposed within a detachable portion of the vehicle 100,for example, a drive module.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle 100 is an autonomous vehicle;however, the vehicle 100 could be any other type of vehicle, such as asemi-autonomous vehicle, or any other system having at least an imagecapture device (e.g., a camera enabled smartphone). Though depicted inFIG. 1 as residing in the body 104 for illustrative purposes, it iscontemplated that the computer systems 126 be accessible to the vehicle100 (e.g., stored on, or otherwise accessible by, memory remote from thevehicle 100, such as, for example, on memory of a remote computerdevice). In some examples, multiple computer systems 126 may be includedon the vehicle 100. In some examples, computer systems 126 may belocated within the body 104, a drive assembly, or combinations thereof.

The processor(s) 128 of the vehicle 100 may be any suitable processorcapable of executing instructions to process data and perform operationsas described herein. By way of example and not limitation, theprocessor(s) 128 may comprise one or more Central Processing Units(CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), or any other device or portionof a device that processes electronic data to transform that electronicdata into other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/ormemory. In some examples, integrated circuits (e.g., ASICs, etc.), gatearrays (e.g., FPGAs, etc.), and other hardware devices may also beconsidered processors in so far as they are configured to implementencoded instructions.

Memory 130 is an example of non-transitory computer-readable media.Memory 130 may store an operating system and one or more softwareapplications, instructions, programs, and/or data to implement themethods described herein and the functions attributed to the varioussystems. In various implementations, the memory may be implemented usingany suitable memory technology, such as static random-access memory(SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory,or any other type of memory capable of storing information. Thearchitectures, systems, and individual elements described herein mayinclude many other logical, programmatic, and physical components, ofwhich those shown in the accompanying figures are merely examples thatare related to the discussion herein.

In some instances, memory 130 may include at least a working memory anda storage memory. For example, the working memory may be a high-speedmemory of limited capacity (e.g., cache memory) that is used for storingdata to be operated on by the processor(s) 128. In some instances,memory 130 may include a storage memory that may be a lower-speed memoryof relatively large capacity that is used for long-term storage of data.In some cases, the processor(s) 128 cannot operate directly on data thatis stored in the storage memory, and data may need to be loaded into aworking memory for performing operations based on the data, as discussedherein.

FIG. 2 shows the vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 from a top down view. In theillustrated example, the vehicle 100 includes a first sensor podassembly 102A1, a second sensor pod assembly 102B2, a third sensor podassembly 102A3, and a fourth sensor pod assembly 102B4 (collectively“sensor pods 102”) coupled to the body 104. FIG. 2 also shows sensors118 disposed on the vehicle away from the sensor pods 102. FIG. 2 showsthe longitudinal axis 120 running the length of the vehicle 100 wherethe vehicle has a first end 200 and a second end 202 distal to the firstend along the longitudinal axis 120. FIG. 2 shows a first transverseaxis 204 at the first end 200 and a second transverse axis 206 at thesecond end 202.

FIG. 2 shows the first sensor pod assembly 102A1 removably mounted tothe vehicle 100 at a first position 208 located adjacent to the firstend 200 and spaced from the longitudinal axis in a first direction 210along the first transverse axis 204. FIG. 2 shows the second sensor podassembly 102B2 removably mounted to the vehicle at a second location 212located adjacent to the first end 200 spaced from the longitudinal axis120 in a second direction 214, opposite the first direction 210 alongthe first transverse axis 204. FIG. 2 shows the third sensor podassembly 102A3 removably mounted to the vehicle at a third location 216located adjacent to the second end 202 spaced from the longitudinal axis120 in the first direction 210 along the second transverse axis 206.FIG. 2 shows the fourth sensor pod assembly 102B4 removably mounted tothe vehicle at a fourth location 218 located adjacent to the second end202 spaced from the longitudinal axis 120 in the first direction 210along the second transverse axis 206.

In some examples, the sensor pods 102 may be spaced from each otheralong the first or second transverse axis by a distance 220 of 50inches, 60 inches, or 70 inches. In some examples, the sensor pods 102may be spaced from each other along the first or second transverse axisand stay within 2 inches of the exterior of the body 104, within 5inches of the exterior of the body 104, within 8 inches of the exterior,within 10 inches of the exterior of the body 104, or within 12 inches ofthe exterior of the body 104.

In some examples, the sensor pods 102 may be spaced from each otheralong the longitudinal axis 120 by a distance 222 of 100 inches, 110inches, or 120 inches. In some examples, the sensor pods 102 may bespaced from each other along the longitudinal axis 120 and stay within 2inches of the exterior of the body 104, within 5 inches of the exteriorof the body 104, within 8 inches of the exterior, within 10 inches ofthe exterior of the body 104, or within 12 inches of the exterior of thebody 104.

In some examples, the sensor pods 102 have multiple sensors with eachindividual sensor having a sensor field of view. In some examples, theindividual sensor's field of view may be combined to create an effectivesensor field of view of the sensor pod. FIG. 2 shows illustrative sensorfields of view of individual sensors of sensor pods 102 For example, thesensor pod assembly 102B2 has a first sensor field of view 224 with anoptical axis 226, a second sensor field of view 228 with an optical axis230, and a third sensor field of view 232 with an optical axis 234. Inexamples, these sensor fields of view may be combined to create thesensor pod assembly's effective field of view 236. In examples, thefirst sensor field of view 224 is approximately, 80 degrees. Inexamples, the first sensor field of view 224 is between 75 and 85degrees. In examples, the first sensor field of view 224 is between 60and 90 degrees. In examples, the second sensor field of view 228 isapproximately, 80 degrees. In examples, the second sensor field of view228 is between 75 and 85 degrees. In examples, the second sensor fieldof view 228 is between 60 and 90 degrees.

In examples, the third sensor field of view 232 is approximately, 60degrees. In examples, the third sensor field of view 232 is between 60and 65 degrees. In examples, the third sensor field of view 232 isbetween 50 and 90 degrees.

In examples, the optical axis 226 is substantially parallel tolongitudinal axis 120. In examples, the optical axis 226 is angled awayfrom longitudinal axis 120. For example, the optical axis 226 is angledapproximately 5 degrees outward from longitudinal axis 120. In examples,the optical axis 226 is angled between 2 and 10 degrees outward fromlongitudinal axis 120. In examples, the optical axis 226 is angledapproximately 5 degrees inward from longitudinal axis 120. In examples,the optical axis 226 is angled between 2 and 10 degrees inward fromlongitudinal axis 120. In examples, where the optical axis 226 is angledinward or outward from the longitudinal axis 120, the chances of bothsensors of two adjacent sensor pods directed at the same end of thevehicle experiencing sun blindness is greatly reduced. For example, thelens surfaces of both sensors would not be parallel and would notreceive the sunlight at the same angle.

FIG. 2 also shows the sensors 118 having a sensor field of view. Inexamples, the sensors 118 may be similar to other sensors 118. Inexamples, the sensors 118 may have different characteristics and/orfeatures. For example, a sensor 118 may be sensor 238 and have a sensorfield of view 240 with an optical axis 242. In examples, a sensor 118may be sensor 244 and have a sensor field of view 246 with an opticalaxis 248. In examples, the sensor field of view 240 may be greater thanthe sensor field of view 246. For example, the sensor 244 may provide arelatively narrow field of view when compared to the sensor 238. Inexamples, the sensor 244 may provide greater information about alocation further from the vehicle 100 along optical axis 248. As apractical example, the sensor 244 may provide information about acondition further down a direction of travel. In examples, the sensorfield of view 240 is between 140 degrees and 170 degrees. In examples,the sensor field of view 246 is approximately 30 degrees.

In some examples, the sensor pods 102 may be spaced from outside edgesof the vehicle 100. For example, FIG. 2 shows the sensor pod 102A1spaced a distance 250 back from the foremost portion of the body 104,for example, a fender, a grill, or other exterior surface. In examples,the distance 250 is approximately 285 mm. In examples, the distance 250is between 200 mm and 300 mm. In examples, the distance 250 is between50 mm and 200 mm. In examples, the distance 250 is between 0 mm and 50mm. In examples, the distance 250 is negative. For example, the distance250 is between −1 mm and −100 mm. In this example, a surface of thesensor pod would extend beyond the foremost portion of foremost portionof the body 104.

FIG. 2 also shows the sensor pod 102A1 spaced a distance 252 from thelateral most portion of the body 104, for example, a fender, a door, orother exterior surface. In examples, the distance 252 is approximately10 mm. In examples, the distance 252 is between 0 mm and 10 mm. Inexamples, the distance 252 is negative. For example, the distance 252 isbetween −1 mm and −20 mm. In this example, a surface of the lateral mostportion of the body 104 would extend beyond the sensor pod. In examples,the distance 252 is approximately −12 mm.

FIG. 3 shows the vehicle 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the illustratedexample, the vehicle 100 includes the first sensor pod assembly 102A1, asecond sensor pod assembly 102B2, a third sensor pod assembly 102A3, anda fourth sensor pod assembly 102B4 (collectively “sensor pods 102”)coupled to the body 104. FIG. 3 also shows the optical axes of sensorsof the sensor pods as well as the sensor pod's effective field of view236 for each of the sensor pods 102. In examples, the sensor pods 102have additional sensors. For example, a sensor pod 102 may have a lidarsensor with a second sensor type field of view 300. In examples, thesecond sensor type field of view may cover the same or substantiallysimilar fields of view.

In some examples, the effective sensor field of view 236 of the firstsensor pod assembly 102A1 overlaps with a least a portion of theeffective sensor field of view 236 of the second sensor pod assembly102B2 and with at least a portion of the effective sensor field of view236 of the fourth sensor pod assembly 102B4. In some examples, theeffective sensor field of view 236 of the second sensor pod assembly102B2 overlaps with a least a portion of the effective sensor field ofview 236 of the first sensor pod assembly 102A1 and with at least aportion of the effective sensor field of view 236 of the third sensorpod assembly 102A3. In some examples, the effective sensor field of view236 of the third sensor pod assembly 102A3 overlaps with a least aportion of the effective sensor field of view 236 of the second sensorpod assembly 102B2 and with at least a portion of the effective sensorfield of view 236 of the fourth sensor pod assembly 102B4. In someexamples, the effective sensor field of view 236 of the fourth sensorpod assembly 102B4 overlaps with a least a portion of the effectivesensor field of view 236 of the first sensor pod 102A1 and with at leasta portion of the effective sensor field of view 236 of the third sensorpod assembly 102A3.

In examples, the effective sensor pod field of view may be 270 degreesor greater. In examples, the effective sensor fields of view of adjacentsensor pod assemblies overlap at a distance from the vehicle. Forexample, the distance may be five feet, two feet, or one foot. Inexamples, the distance is zero meaning the sensor fields of view overlapat the vehicle or negative meaning the sensor fields of view overlap onthe vehicle. In examples, this creates an effective system field of viewof sensor pods of 360 degrees allowing coverage around the vehicle. Inexamples, the overlap is such that the effective system field of view ofsensor pods is 360 degrees even with three of the four sensor podsactive. In examples, the overlap is such that the effective system fieldof view of sensor pods is 360 degrees even with two of the four sensorpods active if the two active sensor pods are on opposite corners or inopposite quadrants of the vehicle.

In examples, the sensor pods 102 extend from the body 104. For example,each sensor pod protrudes at least a first distance from a longitudinalend and at least second distance from a lateral side of the body 104 ofthe vehicle 100. In examples, the first and second distances may be thesame or different. In examples, the first and second distance may bezero inches, two inches, six inches, eight inches, ten inches, twelveinches, or greater.

In examples, the sensor pods 102 are located in different quadrants, forexample, near the corners of the vehicle. By being near an extremity ofthe vehicle, the sensor pods may have an advantageous viewingperspective in some situations. For example, when turning a corner orpulling out from a parking spot, the sensor pod may be able to seearound the corner to collect data before the full vehicle enters thespace. In examples, the sensor pods 102 are located at the first,second, third, and fourth locations on the vehicle. For example, thefirst location is within a first distance of the first end and thespacing from the longitudinal axis of the first location is greater thana second distance from the longitudinal axis such that the effectivesensor field of view of the first sensor pod includes a view of anobject behind an obstacle located at a first position relative to andaway from the vehicle.

In examples, the sensor field of view 300 may be limited to an amountless than 360 degrees for an individual sensor. For example, the sensorfield of view may be greater than 270 degrees, approximately 270degrees, or less than 270 degrees. In examples, where the field of viewfor certain types of sensors may be beneficial to data collection andcomputing efficiency. For example, by placing the sensors near thecorners of the vehicle, the 270 degrees of field of view allows for afull 360-degree view when combined with other sensors while alsoretaining redundancy from the overlapping fields of view. However, bylimiting the field of view of the sensor, unnecessary data of theunchanging parts of the vehicle is either not collected or efficientlyfiltered out of the data early in processing reducing the load on thesystem. In examples, viewing portions of the vehicle may be beneficial,the field of view may be limited to be below a vehicle contentthreshold.

In examples, the sensor pods 102 has two configurations or types. Forexample a first type of sensor pod may be a mirror image of a secondtype of sensor pod. FIG. 3 shows an example where sensor pod assembly102A1 and 102A3 are of a first type, while sensor pod assembly 102B2 and102B4 are of a second type.

FIG. 4 shows the vehicle 100 of FIGS. 1-3 from an end view. In theillustrated example, the vehicle 100 includes the first sensor podassembly 102A1. The discussion of fields of view of sensors has notedthe coverage in a planar view for simplicity with vertical coverageacross those fields of view inherently included. FIG. 4 shows an examplewhere sensors of the sensor pods 102 may be oriented within the sensorpod to modify the vertical orientation. In examples, a first sensor 400and a second sensor 402 of the sensor pod assembly 102A1 have fields ofview and a sensing axis. For example, the first sensor 400 may have afield of view 404 and a sensing axis 406, and sensor 402 may have afield of view 408 and a sensing axis 410. In this example, the sensingaxis 406 may be substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle 100while the sensing axis 410 may be angled down, for example, at 45degrees. In examples, the field of view 404 of the first sensor 400 mayprovide a view of objects further from the vehicle when compared to thefield of view 408 of the second sensor 402 which may provide a view ofobjects closer to the vehicle. In examples, the second sensor 402 mayprovide useful information when the vehicle is operating close toobject, for example, when parking or maneuvering near people or objects.

FIG. 4 also shows a second sensor pod assembly 102B2. In examples, thesensor pod 102B2 is similar to sensor pod 102A1. In examples, the sensorpod 102B2 has a mirrored layout when compared to sensor pod 102A1. Inexamples, sensor pod 102B2 has a height 412 and a width 414. Inexamples, the height 412 may be approximately, 330 mm. In examples, theheight 412 may be between 300 mm and 350 mm. In examples, the height 412may be between 275 mm and 375 mm.

In examples, the width 414 may be approximately, 230 mm. In examples,the width 414 may be between 200 mm and 250 mm. In examples, the width414 may be between 175 mm and 175 mm.

Illustrative Sensor Pod Assembly

FIG. 5 shows a top down view of an illustrative sensor pod 500. Inexamples, the sensor pod 500 includes a first sensor 502, a secondsensor 504, and a third sensor 506. In some example, these sensors maybe of a first type, for example, an imaging sensor. In some examples,the sensor pod 500 also includes a fourth sensor 508 and a fifth sensor510 (below). In some examples, these sensors may be of a second type,for example a light detection and ranging (lidar) sensor.

In examples, the sensor pod 500 also has an outer shell 514 or trim. Inexamples the outer shell 514 incorporates an energy absorbing structurethat may mitigate damage to an object that impacts the sensor pod 500.

In examples, the sensor pod 500 is similar to sensor pod 102B2 shown inFIG. 4 . In examples, sensor pod 500 has a width 516 and a length 518.In examples, the width 516 is similar the width 414 shown in FIG. 4 . Inexamples, the width 516 may be approximately, 230 mm. In examples, thewidth 516 may be between 200 mm and 250 mm. In examples, the width 516may be between 175 mm and 175 mm.

In examples, the length 518 may be approximately, 300 mm. In examples,the length 518 may be between 250 mm and 350 mm. In examples, the length518 may be between 225 mm and 375 mm.

In examples, 412 and a width 414. In examples, the height 412 may beapproximately, 330 mm. In examples, the height 412 may be between 300 mmand 350 mm. In examples, the height 412 may be between 275 mm and 375mm.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an illustrative example of a vehicle600 where a sensor pod 602 is mounted to the vehicle 600. In examples,the sensor pod 602 may be mounted to the vehicle 600 through a mountingsystem 604. In examples, a mounting arm 606 may be coupled to thevehicle in a rigid and permanent configuration. The sensor pod 602 maybe mounted to the mounting arm 606 through a mounting interface 608 onthe sensor pod 602. In examples, the mounting arm and mounting interface608 have indexing features 610 to increase accuracy and consistency ofthe orientation of sensor pod 602 and sensors relative to the vehicle600 when installing and removing the sensor pod 602.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view 700 of sensor pod 602. In examples, thesensor pod 602 includes a frame 702 with various sensors, for example, afirst camera 704, a second camera 706, a third camera 708, a first lidar710, and a second lidar 712. Sensor pod 602 may also include exteriortrim 714, brackets 716, a puddle lamp 718, seals 720, cleaning system722, and harnesses 724.

The exploded view 700 also shows a pod arm 726. In examples, the pod arm726 would be attached to a vehicle to which the sensor pod 602 couldlater be attached.

FIG. 8 shows a sensor pod 800 without an outer shell or trim. Inexamples, sensor pod 800 includes a frame 802 with a mounting interface(not shown) that may mount the sensor pod 800 to a vehicle (not shown).In examples, the sensor pod 800 includes a first sensor 804 removablymounted to a first location 806 of the frame 802, where the first sensor804 has a first field of view. In examples, the sensor pod 800 alsoincludes a second sensor 808 having a second field of view, mounted to asecond location 810 of the frame 802, where the second location 810 isorientated relative to the first location 806 to cause at least aportion of the first field of view to overlap with at least a portion ofthe second field of view. An example of this may be see in FIG. 2 . Inexamples, the sensor pod 800 also includes a third sensor 812 having athird field of view, mounted to a third location 814 of the frame 802,where the third location 814 is orientated relative to the firstlocation 806 and the second location 810 to cause at least a portion ofthe second field of view to overlap with at least a portion of the thirdfield of view. In examples, the sensor pod 800 also includes a fourthsensor 816 removably mounted to a fourth location 818 of the frame 802,where the fourth sensor 816 has a fourth field of view. In this example,the fourth location 818 is orientated relative to the first location 806to cause at least a portion of the first field of view to overlap withat least a portion of the fourth field of view, In examples, the sensorpod 800 also includes a fifth sensor 820 having a fifth field of view,mounted to a fifth location 822 of the frame. In this example, the fifthlocation 822 is orientated relative to the frame 802 to cause at least aportion of the fourth field of view to overlap with at least a portionof the fifth field of view.

In examples, the first sensor 804, the second sensor 808, and the thirdsensor 812 are of a first type and the fourth sensor 816 and fifthsensor 820 are of a second type. In examples, the first type of sensoris an imaging sensor, for example, a camera. In examples, the secondtype of sensor is a lidar sensor. In examples, the fields of view for atype of sensor may be the same or may be different. For example, thefield of view of the first sensor 804 may be different from the field ofview of the third sensor 812. In examples, the field of view of thethird sensor 812 is the same as the field of view of the first sensor804 rotated ninety degrees.

In examples, the first sensor 804 is oriented with an optical axis in afirst direction, the second sensor 808 with an optical axis is orientedin a second direction, the third sensor 812 with an optical axisorientated in a third direction substantially opposite the firstdirection. In this example, the second direction is between the firstdirection and the third direction, and the first and second fields ofview are different than the third field of view.

FIG. 8 also shows portions of a cleaning system 824. In examples,cleaning system 824 to clean a sensing surface 826 of a sensor, forexample, the first sensor 804 or the fourth sensor 816. In examples, thecleaning system 824 includes a nozzle 828 configured to apply a liquidto the sensing surface 826.

In examples, the sensor pod 802 has a supply harness 830. In examples,the supply harness 830 provides power, control signals, and/or cleaningfluids to the sensor pod 800 from the vehicle. In examples, the supplyharness 830 or another harness (not shown) provides data signals fromthe sensors to the vehicle. In examples, the supply harness includes afluid and pressurized air connection to supply fluid and pressurized airto the cleaning system and a power connection to supply power to one ormore of the sensors. In examples, the sensor pod 800 includes a sensorharness electrically coupleable to the vehicle and electrically coupledto the sensors to transmit sensor data from the sensors to a computingsystem of the vehicle.

In examples, the frame 802 may be made from different materials. Forexample, the frame 802 may be made from a metal (e.g., aluminum, steel,magnesium, or combinations thereof) or composite materials includingcarbon, Kevlar, resin, glass, or plastics. In examples, the frame 802 ismade from cast aluminum or magnesium-aluminum alloy. In examples, thecast frame provides strength, rigidity, repeatability of manufacture,with a lower cost than a frame fully machined from a billet. Inexamples, the mounting locations on the frame 802 have mounting surfacesto support and orient the sensor by registering off of the mountingsurface. In examples, the mounting surface is machined to provide areference surface with tolerances sufficient to orient the sensorsrelative to each other as well as to the vehicle. In examples, themounting location on the frame 802 have cast surfaces at the mountinglocations to support and orient the sensor. In these examples, the castsurface does not require a secondary operation of machining to providereference surfaces. Rather the cast surface is controlled during thecasting process to provide the reference surface with tolerancessufficient to orient the sensors relative to each other as well as tothe vehicle

In examples, the sensor pod is asymmetric. For example, the mountinginterface of the sensor pod is located at a sixth location on the frame,where the sixth location is disposed substantially opposite the secondlocation 810. In this example, a sensor pod mount when coupled to thevehicle, protrudes from a side of the sensor pod 800.

Illustrative Pedestrian Protection System and Technique

In vehicles, for example, autonomous vehicles, safety is an importantfactor. As part of safety, providing protection to people within theenvironment that the vehicle operates is also important. In examples,vehicles may have complex systems that aid in preventing unintendedcontact with people within the environment. In situations where contactis not prevented, additional protection may be provided on the vehicle.In examples, this type of pedestrian protection may be designed to limitthe injury to the pedestrian.

One current measure of pedestrian protection is the Head Injury Criteria(“HIC”) score. This is one metric of determining the level of pedestrianprotection provided by a vehicle. For example, a pedestrian protectionsystem with a HIC score below 1000 is considered satisfactory in manyjurisdictions. In examples, the HIC score is calculated by equation 1.

$\begin{matrix}{{HIC} = {\left\lbrack {\frac{1}{t_{2} - t_{1}}{\int_{t_{1}}^{t_{2}}{a\mspace{14mu}{dt}}}} \right\rbrack^{2.5}\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

Where a is a resultant head acceleration, t₂−t₁≤15 ms, and t₂, t₁ areselected to maximize HIC. The HIC is measure of the accelerationconcentration as a proxy for force/energy applied over a period of timebetween t₁ and t₂. In examples, the system may use one or more of thetechniques described in Regulation (EC) No 78/2009 Of The EuropeanParliament And Of The Council of 14 Jan. 2009 on the type-approval ofmotor vehicles with regard to the protection of pedestrians and othervulnerable road users (discussing Head Performance Criterion (“HPC”))and European New Car Assessment Programme Pedestrian Testing Protocol,Version 8.4, November 2017 (discussing HIC15 testing) the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, to test and determine an HICor HPC score.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the sensor pod 800. In this view, thesensor pod 800 has a trim/outer shell 900 installed. In examples, thesensor pod 800 includes an impact structure 902 coupled to the frame802. For example, the impact structure 902 may include an outer surface904 configured to interface with a pedestrian during an impact. Inexamples, at least a portion of the outer surface 904 is disposedoutboard of a sensor relative to the frame 802. In examples, the impactstructure 902 also includes an impact energy absorbing structure 906disposed between the outer surface 904 and the frame 802. In examples,the impact energy absorbing structure 906 is configured to absorb aportion of energy transferred through the outer surface 904 from theimpact.

In examples, the impact structure 902 and/or the impact energy absorbingstructure 906 may be made from various materials, including, forexample, nylon, glass filled nylon, and/or glass filled polypropyleneamong others. For example, the impact energy absorbing structure 906 maybe made from plastics (e.g., Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE orPolyester), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC),Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS),(ABS), others), polycarbonates, polyamide, and/or combinations thereof.In examples, the impact energy absorbing structure 906 may be made froma metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, magnesium, or combinations thereof) orcomposite materials including carbon, Kevlar, resin, glass, or plastics.

In examples, the sensor pod contains an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”or sensor. In examples, the vehicle receives data from the IMUindicative of an impact of the sensor pod. In examples, the system maydetermine, based at least in part on the data received from the IMU,that the senor pod is damaged, may be damaged, should be inspected,should be recalibrated, or should be replaced. In examples, the systemmay determine, based at least in part on the data received from the IMUan impact force that was applied to a pedestrian or object during theimpact.

In examples, data from the sensor pod IMU is combined with data from thevehicle and/or other sensor pods. For example, data from the sensor podsIMU indicating a high deceleration may not indicate an impact to thesensor pod when, for example, data from the vehicle and/or other sensorpods indicate a similar high deceleration. In examples, largediscrepancies between data from the sensor pod and data from the vehiclemay indicate a misalignment and/or miscalibration of the sensor podand/or IMU.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic illustration of a process andtechnique to manage energy from an impact through a pedestrianprotection system. For example, FIG. 10 shows several schematic views ofthe impact structure 902 coupled to the frame 802. In examples, theimpact structure 902 includes the outer surface 904 configured tointerface with a pedestrian during an impact as well as the impactenergy absorbing structure 906. FIG. 10 depicts an example process 1000of mitigating an impact with a pedestrian or other external object. Forexample, at operation 1002, an impact structure, for example, impactstructure 902 absorbs energy from and impact through a structure, forexample, outer surface 904. In examples, the outer surface 904 may bedisplaced towards displaced towards an interior of the sensor pod, forexample, in the direction of arrow 1004. In examples, the displacementof the outer surface 904 begins to absorb energy from the impact anddirect it away from the pedestrian.

At operation 1006, the impact may cause energy to transfer to the impactenergy absorbing structure 906 creating stress concentrations. Inexamples, the energy transferred to the impact energy absorbingstructure 906 may exceed an amount causing the stress concentration toexceed a threshold causing portions of the impact energy absorbingstructure 906 to deform and absorb energy from the impact. In examples,the impact energy absorbing structure 906 comprises a stressconcentration zone 1008 during the impact. In examples, the stressconcentration zone 1008 causes a local plastic deformation of the impactenergy absorbing structure thereby absorbing energy from the impact andaway from the pedestrian. For example, the absorption of this energyreduces the acceleration concentration experienced by the pedestrian. Inexamples, the stress concentration zone 1008 is configured to cause thelocal plastic deformation above a first impact force threshold and belowa second impact force threshold. In this example, it is useful for theimpact energy absorbing structure to be deformable enough to absorbenough energy from the impact to protect a pedestrian, but not sodeformable, that unnecessary damage is caused during handling or minorimpacts. Additionally, it is useful for the impact energy absorbingstructure to not be too stiff such that it does not absorb enough energyfrom the impact to protect a pedestrian.

In examples, the stress concentration zone 1008 is tailored usingmaterial properties and/or geometrical features. For example, across-sectional thickness of impact energy absorbing structure 906 maybe varied across the structure to locate and/or limit the stressconcentration zone 1008 at a certain location with a certain region toabsorb a desired amount of energy. In examples, the geometrical featuresinclude added material, for example, a ridge, rib, swell, or gusset,removed material, for example, a slot, hole, or recess, and/or contours,for example, a fillet, curve, or radius. In examples, combinations areused to create complex shapes, for example, an I-beam, a C-channel, atube, and/or a T-beam among others.

In examples, the second impact force threshold is associated with an HICscore of 1000. In examples, the second impact force threshold isassociated with an HIC score of 650. In examples, the first impact forcethreshold is associated with an HIC score of 100. In examples, the firstimpact force threshold is associated with an HIC score of 300.

In examples, the outer surface 904 is configured to move substantiallyuniformly with respect to itself during the impact. In this example, theimpact energy absorbing structure 906 absorbs most of the energytransferred during the impact.

In examples, the outer surface being configured to deflect or bend withrespect to itself up to a maximum deformation. In examples, the maximumdeformation is approximately 50% of a form thickness of the outersurface.

In examples, the outer surface is substantially convex or curved. Inexamples, this shape may provide a structural stiffness to weight ratiobenefit. In examples, the outer surface is substantially convex in twoorthogonal directions. In this example, the outer surface may be curvedin two directions creating a shell effect which may provide a structuralstiffness to weight ratio benefit.

In examples, the impact energy absorbing structure 906 couples the outersurface 904 to the frame 802. In examples, the impact energy absorbingstructure 906 provides support to the outer surface 904 in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of the impact. For example,the impact energy absorbing structure 906 may help to support the outersurface in a vertical direction as well as side to side.

In examples, the impact energy absorbing structure 906 has one or moreof a thickness, a cross section, or a planform configured to provide animpact load absorption profile. In examples, these features are tailoredto control the stress concentrations and deformation of the impactenergy absorbing structure 906. In examples, the impact energy absorbingstructure may be constructed of a substantially homogenous material or acomposite material.

In examples, the impact structure 902 may provide protection throughapplication to another sensor disposed above the frame, for example,frame 802 and coupled to the frame 802 by a deformable fastener. Forexample, the sensor disposed above the frame 802 may be a lidar sensor.In examples, the sensor is coupled to the frame through a deformablefastener comprising a stress concentration zone. In examples, the stressconcentration zone of the deformable faster causes local plasticdeformation of the deformable fastener that absorbs energy from theimpact. In examples, the deformable fastener releases the sensor whenthe impact exceeds an impact force threshold. For example, when animpact is great enough, the deformable fastener may sheer allowing thesensor to detach from the frame. In examples, the sensor, when releasedfrom the frame may clear the pedestrian or obstacle when mounted nearthe top of the vehicle. In examples, the deformable fasteners absorbenough energy to slow the sensors relative speed enough to mitigate asecondary impact if the sensor does not clear the obstacle. In examples,the deformation of the deformable fasteners absorb energy reducing theoverall energy that is absorbed by the impact energy absorbing structure906 away from the sensor.

The impact structure 902 may also include a baffle structure. Forexample, FIGS. 8 and 9 also show a baffle structure 832 disposed betweenthe sensor 804 or sensor 808 and the outer shell 900. In examples, thebaffle structure 832 includes a crumple zone configured to plasticallydeform during an impact and absorb energy from the impact. In examples,this feature works similarly to and in conjunction with the outer shell900, the outer surface 904, and the impact energy absorbing structure906.

Illustrative Calibration Systems and Techniques

Techniques described herein are directed to calibrating sensors of asensor pod and vehicle without necessitating infrastructure, e.g.,without fiducial markers. In general, such calibration may refer toeither “extrinsic” calibration (that is determining one or more of alocation or orientation of the sensor relative to some origin, e.g.another sensor, an origin of the system, etc.) or “intrinsic”calibration (that is determining one or more parameters about the sensoritself, e.g., a focal length, a center point, a lens distortion model,and the like). An example of a system is an autonomous vehicle havingmultiple sensor pods having multiple sensors (of various modalities),though any other system is contemplated (e.g. smartphones having animage sensor, robotic manipulators having one or more sensor modalities,and the like). In one such example (i.e. where the system is anautonomous vehicle), the autonomous vehicle can include a sensor of asensor pod configured to generate sensor data of an environment of thevehicle or the sensor pod.

The vehicle or sensor pod may also generate or otherwise access semanticsegmentation information that identifies objects in the environment. Forinstance, semantic segmentation information may classify sensor data,e.g., on a pixel-by-pixel or point-by-point basis to associate eachpixel or point with an object or object type. When the sensor iscorrectly calibrated (e.g., internally), the sensor data and thesemantic segmentation information can be combined to produce an alignedrepresentation of the environment. However, when the sensors areimproperly calibrated, e.g., there is a calibration error, the sensordata and the semantic segmentation information, when combined, can forman inaccurate, or “blurry,” representation of the environment. In areal-world example, as applied to autonomous vehicles and as anillustration of the need for a highly accurate calibration, amisalignment of sensors on the order of 0.5-degrees may result in aninability to determine with certainty a lane in which an object 100meters away is travelling. Thus, while sensors are calibrated uponinstallation to meet these exacting standards, it may be important toverify that sensors remain properly calibrated. For instance, sensorsmay be subject to environmental contaminants, degradation due to normaldriving and use, as well other factors that can cause sensors to developcalibration errors.

When installing sensor pods, it may be beneficial to take calibrationfactors of the sensor pod into account. For example, biases and/orcalibration limitations may be present in a given sensor pod and maylimit the compatibility of two sensor pods in some instances. Forexample, a first sensor pod may have a first bias that such that, whenpaired on a vehicle with a second sensor pod with a second bias, thecombination of the sensor pods may not provide the desired sensorcoverage in certain cases. However, when the first sensor pod is pairedwith a third sensor pod with a third bias, the two sensor pods providethe desired sensor coverage. The certain cases may be extreme cases,where multiple sensors or sensor pods fail on a vehicle, and theremaining sensors are used to safely control the vehicle. In examples,determining the compatibility of sensor pods prior to installation onthe vehicle, may reduce rework and downtime of a vehicle, since, forexample, one or more of the sensor pods would not need to be removed andreplaced prior to the vehicle entering service.

In examples described herein, calibration techniques can be used tovalidate calibration of and/or calibrate one or more sensors mounted ina sensor pod and/or vehicle. In some implementations, sensors of one ormore modalities may be mounted to capture sensor data, e.g., images,radar returns, LiDAR returns, time-of-flight data, or the like, coveringa field of view of the sensor pod. In examples, multiple sensor pods maybe mounted to an autonomous vehicle and provide an effective field ofview covering 360-degrees around the autonomous vehicle, and each sensorcan provide sensor data necessary to ensure safe navigation of thevehicle, i.e., relative to objects in the environment of the vehicle. Inexamples, the calibration technique can include leveraging fiducials orinvariant objects in calibrating the sensors on a sensor pod. When usinginvariant objects, the calibration techniques can include leveragingsemantic segmentation information to determine calibration errors. Morespecifically, techniques can include determining objects in semanticsegmentation information and comparing features in sensor data generatedby a sensor to the object. For example, objects in the semanticsegmentation information can include invariant objects, which mayinclude fixed and/or known objects that may not change or move over timeand/or for which one or more attributes, such as geometric attributes,reflective features, or the like are readily known. For instance,invariant objects can include linear objects, such as walls, posts,ceilings, corners, roof lines of structures or vehicles, buildings,horizons, and the like. Invariant objects may also include planarsurfaces, such as signs, a surface, a wall, the side of a building,machinery, a side of a trailer or large automobile, and the like. Inother examples, street signs may be known to be retroreflective. Instill further examples the invariant objects may have other attributesthat are known or knowable. In at least other examples, such invariancemay correspond to features and/or attributes of the object and not theobject itself. As a non-limiting example of such, a tractor trailer maymove, yet have planar surfaces and straight-lines of intersection ofsuch surfaces. Similarly, traffic light poles may change state (red,yellow, green, etc.), while having a same relative position,orientation, geometric features, or the like.

In some implementations, features can be extracted from the sensor datato compare to the object(s) in the semantic segmentation information. Byway of non-limiting example, edges can be detected in the sensor data,e.g., using an edge detection algorithm in an image or depthdiscontinuities in three-dimensional sensor data. Such edges may beinvestigated to determine whether they are linear, as expected from thea priori knowledge about the invariant object. In other implementations,points, e.g., having a depth measurement, can be identified as beingassociated with a planar surface in an invariant object. Those pointscan then be investigated to confirm coplanarity. In some examples, thefeatures may be determined from undistorted data, e.g., undistortedusing parameters, e.g., intrinsics, of the sensor. In at least someexamples, errors may determined with respect to the distorted space(e.g., how far point fall from an expected distorted line or plane) orthe undistorted space (e.g., a measure of collinearity or coplanarity).

As noted above, sensed features should closely align with objects fromthe semantic segmentation information in a well-calibrated sensor. Onthe other hand, misalignment may be indicative of a calibration error inthe sensor. Thus, according to implementations described herein,techniques can quantify how much features in the sensor data deviatefrom their expected value, e.g., how much they deviate from co-linearityor coplanarity expected from the attributes of the invariant object.Also in some instances, a misalignment can be quantified, e.g., as adistance between points or pixels in the sensor data and the expectationembodied by the invariant object determined from the semanticsegmentation information.

In some examples, the calibration error can be compared to a thresholderror, e.g., to determine whether the error is acceptable, of if somecorrective action must be taken. Corrective actions can include takingthe sensor offline, taking the sensor pod offline, taking the vehicleoffline, recalibrating the sensor, controlling the vehicle at theexclusion of sensor data from the sensor, or the like. In someinstances, the calibration data can be used to determine updatedcalibration information, and subsequently-acquired sensor data can becalibrated using the updated calibration information.

Calibration techniques discussed herein can improve the functioning of acomputing device by providing a framework to determine optimalcalibration for sensors, e.g., an array of cameras, on a sensor pod ofan autonomous vehicle. By calibrating one or more cameras using thecalibration techniques described herein, the cameras can generate datarepresenting an environment with a high degree of accuracy and precisionabout the environment while providing the desired field of view coverageof the vehicle. For example, sensor pods that have been calibrated inthis manner can provide more consistent sensor coverage duringoperation, which can ultimately lead to better safety outcomes whiledriving and reduce reworking of the vehicle to achieve. These and otherimprovements to the functioning of a computing device are discussed.

The calibration techniques discussed herein also represent improvementsover conventional calibration and/or calibration validation. Forexample, in the past, calibration techniques often required the sensorsto be installed and active on a vehicle. For example, some techniquesrequire that the sensors be installed on a vehicle, activated, andtested. Such conventional techniques suffer from intensive time andintegration efforts with the vehicle offline to implement. In contrast,techniques described herein may allow for calibration of the sensors atthe sensor pod level and may be conducted separately from the vehicle,for example, while the vehicle is still in service. Additionally oralternatively, techniques described herein may allow for calibration ofvehicle with the new sensor pod(s) installed to be calibrated morequickly and efficiently. For instance, the techniques may allow avehicle to calibrate the sensors of the new sensor pod using a reducedset of variables. Additionally, the techniques may allow a vehicle tocalibrate the sensors of the new sensor pod knowing that a calibrationsolution exists, since, for example, the sensor pods installed wheredetermined to be compatible with each other. Thus, the techniquesdiscussed herein represent significant improvement over conventionalcalibration.

The methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be implementedin a number of ways. Example implementations are provided below withreference to the following figures. Although discussed in the context ofan autonomous vehicle, the methods, apparatuses, and systems describedherein can be applied to a variety of systems requiring calibration ofsensors prior to and/or during use and/or validation of suchcalibration. The techniques described herein are not limited toautonomous vehicles. In another example, the methods, apparatuses, andsystems may be utilized in an aviation or nautical context.Additionally, the techniques described herein may be used with real data(e.g., captured using one or more sensors), simulated data (e.g.,generated by a simulator) or any combination thereof.

FIGS. 11-13 are flowcharts showing example methods and process involvingcalibration of sensors and sensor pods and installation on autonomousvehicles. The methods illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 are described withreference to one or more of the vehicles, sensor pods, and/or systemsshown in FIGS. 1-10 for convenience and ease of understanding. However,the methods and processes illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 are not limited tobeing performed using the vehicles, sensor pods, sensors, and/or systemsshown in FIGS. 1-11 , and may be implemented using any of the othervehicles, sensor pods, and/or systems described in this application, aswell vehicles, sensor pods, and/or systems other than those describedherein. Moreover, the vehicles, sensor pods, and/or systems describedherein are not limited to performing the methods and processesillustrated in FIGS. 11-13 .

In some examples, the system may use one or more of the techniquesdescribed in U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No.15/820,245, filed on Nov. 21, 2017, and/or U.S. Non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/297,127, filed Mar. 8, 2019, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, to calibrate individualsensors or sensors on the vehicle.

FIG. 11 depicts an example process 1100 of calibrating a sensor pod of avehicle. At operation 1102, the calibration system may receive sensordata of an environment of the sensor pod. In examples, the sensor podmay be mounted to a stand and a computing system to collect and/orprocess the sensor data. In examples, the stand may be rigid or may befree to move. In examples, the sensor pod may be held by hand during thedata collection. In examples, a sensor of the sensor pod may be a cameraor other sensor configured to capture data, for example, an image. Inexamples, the image may be distorted due to intrinsic features of thesensor, for example, a fish-eye or wide-angle lens. The sensor can beother types of cameras, e.g., linear cameras, or the like or the sensorcan be a different modality of sensor altogether. By way of non-limitingexample, the sensor may be a lidar sensor or time-of-flight sensor thatgenerates depth information associated with light returns, or the like.

In examples, the environment contains one or more invariants within a90-degree field of view. In examples, the test mount may have indexedorientations, where data can be collected from multiple sensors atmultiple indexed orientations of one or the one or more invariants. Inthis example, fewer invariants may be needed to calibrate the sensors ofa sensor pod.

In examples, the sensor data includes image data about a plurality ofobjects in the environment. For example, fiducial, a wall, a corner of abuilding, a vehicle, a piece of machinery, a pole, and other features.As will be appreciated, the image data may include sensed data aboutinvariant, variant, static, dynamic, and/or any features in the field ofview of the sensor.

At operation 1104, the process can include receiving and/or generatingsemantic segmentation information about the environment (e.g., based atleast in part on the sensor data obtained in 1102). In examples, asemantic segmentation representation may indicate classificationinformation about a portion of the environment. More specifically, therepresentation may include graphical object representations of differentobjects or features in the environment, e.g., based on classificationsof those objects. For example, the object representations may include awall, a corner, a ceiling, a pole, a piece of machinery, among others.In examples, each of the respective object representations may visuallyidentify pixels having the same label or classification. Accordingly, awall representation includes pixels having a “wall” label orclassification, a ceiling representation include pixels having a“ceiling” label or classification, and so forth. Thus, for example, thesemantic segmentation information can include per-pixel classificationinformation. As noted above, although FIG. 11 is described in terms ofthe sensor being a camera generating the image, other sensor modalitiesalso are contemplated (for instance, three-dimensional sensors).Similarly, the semantic segmentation information can be generated fromdata from one or more sensor modalities, which may or may not include animage sensor.

In examples, the semantic segmentation information can includeinformation about invariant objects. As used herein, “invariant objects”may be objects that have known characteristics or attributes, such aslinear edges, planar surfaces, a known orientation, or the like. In someexamples, invariant objects may be objects that are fixed in theenvironment, e.g., that are generally expected to remain the same orunmoved. For example, invariant objects can be topographical features,e.g., road surfaces, sidewalk surfaces, some trees, or the like,fixtures, e.g., buildings, street signs, lampposts, fire hydrants,guardrails, or the like, or other generally stationary objects orfeatures having a known structure and/or orientation. In some examplesof this disclosure, the horizon can be an invariant object, forinstance. In still further examples, invariant objects can includenon-stationary objects having some known characteristic or attribute.For example, a trailer of a tractor-trailer may be an invariant objectbecause it may have known linear edges and/or planar sides.Implementations of this disclosure may use semantic segmentationinformation about invariant objects. In other implementations, thesemantic segmentation information can include additional semanticsegmentation information, e.g., of non-invariant objects, including butnot limited to information about vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, orthe like. Techniques described herein, however, may only consider dataassociated with invariant objects or fiducials.

At operation 1106, the process 1100 includes identifying sensor datacorresponding to one or more invariant objects in the semanticsegmentation information. In examples, image data corresponding to oneof the invariant objects may represent a feature known to be associatedwith an invariant object. For instance, image data associated with awall may have a vertical edge, e.g., at corners of the wall, and/or ahorizontal edge, e.g., at the bottom of the wall, the ceiling, or thelike. Similarly, image data associated with a pole may have two verticaledges, e.g., at the lateral extents of the pole, because a pole is knownto be relatively straight and/or have a vertical orientation. However,and as discussed above, many factors may influence the actualcalibration of the sensor. For example, manufacturing and/or assemblytolerances associated with the sensor, the sensor pod, the vehicle,sensor pod mounts on the vehicle, and/or the like, may result inimproper calibration of the sensor relative to an expectation.Additionally, the sensor may become uncalibrated through regulardriving, e.g., due to vibrations associated with the vehicle,environmental variations, such as temperature, and/or other factors.Techniques described herein are useful in identifying misalignmentcaused by these and other sources. Additionally, or alternatively,comparisons of semantic segmentations of differing sensor modalities maybe compared (whether containing invariant objects or not). In suchexamples, a known calibration may be used to transform data in onemodality to a reference frame associated with the other. Differencesbetween the associated modalities (and/or aggregate statisticsassociated therewith) may be used to infer a calibration error (whetherintrinsic or extrinsic). In at least some examples, semantic informationassociated with sparse data (e.g., lidar) may be projected using theprevious calibration information into a denser sensor modality (e.g.,images) for comparison.

In examples, a comparison of the sensor data, e.g., image data, to anexpectation of the image data, e.g., corresponding to an invariantfeature, gleaned from the semantic segmentation information may reveal acalibration error. In examples, the system may identify pointsassociated with the invariant object based on the semantic segmentationinformation. For example, a pole may be an invariant object, e.g.,because it includes a (vertical) linear edge or shape.

At operation 1108, the process can include determining a calibrationerror for the sensor. For example, techniques described herein maydetermine the error based on a distance between the sensor data and anexpected value (based on the known attributes of the invariant objects)associated with those points. In at least one example, such an error maycomprise the distance between individual of the points based on thesemantic segmentation information and an expected shape of the invariantobject. The distances may represent the calibration error. In someexamples, the distances can be Euclidian distances, measured in pixels,between the respective points and the expected shape. In some examples,the distance may be dependent on other features of the sensor (forexamples, fish eye cameras may have high radial distortion and Euclidiandistances determined for errors may be inversely scaled with respect toa radius). In other examples, an arc may be fit to the points, with thearc being compared to the expected shape to determine the calibrationerror. In some implementations, if the error determined at the operation1108 is within, e.g., equal to or less than, some threshold error, thesensor may be determined to be properly calibrated. However, if one ormore errors are outside of, e.g., equal to or greater than, somethreshold error, the sensor may be determined to have incorrectcalibration.

In some implementations, the semantic segmentation information caninclude labels for all pixels in a scene, and thus the pixels can bedetermined as the outermost pixels having the “pole” label orclassification. In some implementations a line may be fit to the pixels,with the line representing the signpost in the semantic segmentationinformation.

In examples, the process includes determining a calibration error formultiple sensors of a sensor pod. In examples, the multiple sensors arecalibrated individually or in parallel. In examples, the invariantobject may be the same or a different object. In examples, the invariantobject maybe located where the fields of view of two or more of thesensors overlap.

At operation 1110, the process can include determining a calibrationfactor for the sensor pod. As discussed with respect to operation 1108,the calibration error of multiple sensors may be determined. Inexamples, the individual sensor errors may be combined to determine acalibration factor for the sensor pod. In examples, the calibrationfactor may include multiple values. For example, the calibration factormay include a value for each sensor representative of the calibrationerror of the respective sensor. In examples, the calibration factor ofthe sensor pod may be used in various processes. For example, thecalibration factor may be used to calibrate the sensor pod when it isinstalled on a vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, the calibrationfactor may be used to match the sensor pod with another compatiblesensor pod prior to installation on a vehicle. In some examples, such acalibration factor may be used in further processing such thatalgorithms which rely on the calibration may downweight one or morecomponents of the associated miscalibrated sensor. In various examples,determining the miscalibrated sensor may comprise comparing a singlesensor to multiple other sensors (e.g., two or more additional sensorsin order) to determine a confidence that it is miscalibrated.

FIG. 12 depicts an example process 1200 of calibrating a sensor pod of avehicle when the sensor pod is installed on the vehicle. At operation1202, the system may receive sensor data of an environment of a sensoron the sensor pod. In examples, the sensor may receive sensor datasimilar to the process discussed with respect to FIG. 11 . In examples,the sensor data includes image data about a plurality of objects in theenvironment. For example, fiducial, a wall, a corner of a building, avehicle, a piece of machinery, a pole, and other features. As will beappreciated, the image data may include sensed data about invariant,variant, static, dynamic, and/or any features in the field of view ofthe sensor.

At operation 1204, the process can include receiving and/or generatingsemantic segmentation information about the environment (e.g., based atleast in part on the sensor data obtained in 1202). In examples, asemantic segmentation representation may indicate classificationinformation about a portion of the environment. In examples, the sensormay receive or generate semantic segmentation information similar to theprocess discussed with respect to FIG. 11 .

At operation 1206, the process 1200 includes identifying sensor datacorresponding to one or more invariant objects in the semanticsegmentation information. In examples, image data corresponding to oneof the invariant objects may represent a feature known to be associatedwith an invariant object. For instance, image data associated with awall may have a vertical edge, e.g., at corners of the wall, and/or ahorizontal edge, e.g., at the bottom of the wall, the ceiling, or thelike. In examples, the sensor may identify invariant objects similar tothe process discussed with respect to FIG. 11 .

At operation 1208, the process can include determining a calibrationerror for the sensor. For example, techniques described herein maydetermine the error based on a distance between the sensor data and anexpected value (based on the known attributes of the invariant objects)associated with those points. In examples, the sensor may identifyinvariant objects similar to the process discussed with respect to FIG.11 .

At operation 1210, the process can include determining a calibrationerror for another sensor of the sensor pod. In examples, the calibrationfactor for a sensor pod is based on calibration errors for each sensorof the sensor pod relative to the sensor pod, for example, the interfaceof the sensor pod to the test stand or vehicle mount. In examples, thecalibration error determined at operation 1208 is based the calibrationerror of the sensor of the sensor pod relative to the vehicle. In thisimplementation, the calibration error of the sensor is be combined withthe sensor pod calibration factor to determine an estimated calibrationerror for other sensors of the sensor pod relative to the vehicle. Inexamples, the estimated calibration error can be verified by thevehicle. In examples, the estimated calibration error provides anaccurate starting point for the vehicle's system to confirm or refinethe calibration of the other sensors. In examples, this ensures a closedsolution when solving for the calibration error in certain techniques.As discussed above, the calibration factor may also be used to match thesensor pod with another compatible sensor pod prior to installation on avehicle.

FIG. 13 depicts an example process 1300 of determining, prior toinstallation, whether a sensor pod is compatible with another sensorpod, for example, on a vehicle. In examples, the compatibility of asensor pod with another sensor pod is whether the effective fields ofview of the respective sensor pods are compatible with each other. Inexamples, the effective fields of view of compatible sensor podsprovides a field of view overlap above a field of view overlapthreshold. At operation 1302, the system may receive sensor data of anenvironment of a sensor on the sensor pod and identifies an invariantobject. In examples, the sensor may receive sensor data, generatesemantic segmentation data, and identify an invariant object similar tothe processes discussed with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12 . In examples,the sensor data includes image data about a plurality of objects in theenvironment. For example, fiducial, a wall, a corner of a building, avehicle, a piece of machinery, a pole, and other features. As will beappreciated, the image data may include sensed data about invariant,variant, static, dynamic, and/or any features in the field of view ofthe sensor. In examples, the process may identify image datacorresponding to one of the invariant objects may represent a featureknown to be associated with an invariant object. For instance, imagedata associated with a wall may have a vertical edge, e.g., at cornersof the wall, and/or a horizontal edge, e.g., at the bottom of the wall,the ceiling, or the like.

At operation 1304, the process can include determining a calibrationfactor for the sensor pod. In examples, the calibration error ofmultiple sensors may be determined. In examples, the individual sensorerrors may be combined to determine a calibration factor for the sensorpod. In examples, the calibration factor may include multiple values.For example, the calibration factor may include a value for each sensorrepresentative of the calibration error of the respective sensor. Inexamples, the calibration factor of the sensor pod may be used invarious processes. For example, the calibration factor may be used tocalibrate the sensor pod when it is installed on a vehicle.Additionally, or alternatively, the calibration factor may be used tomatch the sensor pod with another compatible sensor pod prior toinstallation on a vehicle, for example, by determining whether therespective fields of view of the sensor pods provide the desired fieldsof view overlap. In examples, the sensor may determine a calibrationfactor similar to the process discussed with respect to FIG. 11 .

At operation 1306, the system may receive a calibration factor ofanother sensor pod. For example, a second sensor pod may be consideredfor pairing with the first sensor pod where the first sensor pod'scalibration factor is determined in operation 1304 and the calibrationfactor for the second pod is received at this operation. In examples,the second sensor pod may be a sensor pod already installed on avehicle. In examples, the second sensor pod may be a sensor pod not yetinstalled on a vehicle.

At operation 1308, the process determines whether the first sensor podis compatible with the second sensor pod, for example, by determiningwhether the field of view of the first sensor pod provides the desiredfields of view overlap when combined with the field of view of thesecond sensor pod. In examples, the determination is based at least inpart on the calibration factor of the first sensor pod and thecalibration factor of the second sensor pod. In examples, the first andsecond sensor pods may be compatible with each other in normal useregardless of the calibration factor. However, in some examples, thesensor pods may not provide the desired sensor redundancy or field ofview overlap in certain circumstances. For example, if a sensor or asensor pod malfunctions or is offline, the remaining sensors or sensorpods may require a threshold level of sensor coverage. In this example,the process uses the calibration factors of the respective sensor podsto determine whether the first and second sensor pods will provide suchcoverage if a number of sensors are lost. While these examples, discusstwo sensor pods for clarity, the process may take into account three,four, or more sensor pods when determining compatibility. For example,the process may determine whether the first sensor pod is compatiblewith three other sensor pods. For example, the process may determinewhether the effective fields of view of the first sensor pod and thethree other sensor pods provide the desired fields of view overlap. Inone non-limiting example, the process may determine whether areplacement sensor pod is compatible with the three sensor pods alreadyinstalled on a vehicle. For example, the process may determine whetherthe effective fields of view of the first sensor pod and the three othersensor pods already installed provide the desired fields of viewoverlap.

If, at operation 1308, the process determines that the sensor pods arenot compatible, the process returns to operation 1306 and receives acalibration factor of another sensor pod to evaluate. For example, theprocess determines that the fields of view of the sensor pods do notprovide the desired fields of view overlap.

If, at operation 1308, the process determines that the sensor pods arecompatible, for example, compatible fields of view, then, at operation1310, the two sensor pods are paired. In examples, when sensor pods arepaired, an indication may be included in a database or provided to anoperator, that the sensor pods are compatible, for example, havecompatible fields of view. In examples, where the two sensor pods arenot installed on a vehicle, the sensor pods may be stored and laterinstalled on a vehicle together. In examples, when one of the sensorpods is already installed on a vehicle, the other sensor pod may be setaside until a replacement sensor pod is needed.

At operation 1312, the sensor pod is installed on a vehicle with theother sensor pod. In examples, the sensor pod may be a replacementsensor pod. In examples, the sensor pod may be grouped with additionalcompatible sensor pods and installed on the vehicle at the same time.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example system 1400 forimplementing the techniques described herein. In at least one example,the system 1400 can include a sensor pod platform 1402 and controlsystem or a vehicle, which can be the same vehicle as the vehicle 100described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 .

The sensor pod platform 1402 can include a constrained test mount 1404,an unconstrained test mount 1406, or a vehicle 1408 and may include acomputing device 1410, one or more sensor systems 1412, for example, oneor more sensor pods, and one or more communication connections 1414.

The computing device 1410 can include one or more processors 1416 andmemory 1418 communicatively coupled with the one or more processors1416. In the illustrated example, the sensor pod platform 1402 may be atest mount or an autonomous vehicle; however, the autonomous vehicle canbe any other type of vehicle autonomous or not. Moreover, and asdescribed herein, the techniques described herein are not limited tovehicles and test mounts, but to any device that has a sensor and accessto semantic segmentation information about an environment of the sensor(or otherwise able to generate such information). In the illustratedexample, the memory 1418 of the computing device 1410 stores alocalization component 1420, a perception component 1422, a planningcomponent 1424, one or more system controllers 1426, and a calibrationcomponent 1428. As also illustrated, the perception component 1422 caninclude a semantic segmentation component 1430, and the calibrationcomponent 1428 can include a feature detection component 1432, an errordetermination component 1434, and an undistort component 1436. Thememory 1418 can also store one or more map(s) 1438. Though depicted inFIG. 14 as residing in memory 1418 for illustrative purposes, it iscontemplated that several of the features, including the calibrationcomponent 1428, the semantic segmentation component 1430, the map(s)1438 and/or other components may additionally, or alternatively, beaccessible to the sensor pod platform 1402 (e.g., stored remotely).

In at least one example, the localization component 1420 can includefunctionality to receive data from the sensor system(s) 1412 todetermine a position of the sensor pod platform 1402. For example, thelocalization component 1420 can include, request, and/or receive athree-dimensional map of an environment, e.g., from the map(s) 1438, andcan continuously determine a location of the sensor pod platform 1402within the map. In some instances, the localization component 1420 canutilize SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) or CLAMS(calibration, localization and mapping, simultaneously) to receive imagedata, LIDAR data, radar data, SONAR data, IMU data, GPS data, wheelencoder data, and/or the like to accurately determine a location of thesensor pod platform 1402. As discussed herein, the localizationcomponent 1420 may receive calibrated sensor data, e.g., sensor datathat is within a threshold acceptability, as discussed herein.

In some instances, the perception component 1422 can includefunctionality to perform object detection, segmentation (e.g., semanticsegmentation via functionality provided by the semantic segmentationcomponent 1430), and/or classification. In some examples, the perceptioncomponent 1422 can provide processed sensor data that indicates apresence of an entity that is proximate to the sensor pod platform 1402and/or a classification of the entity as an entity type (e.g., car,pedestrian, cyclist, animal, tree, road surface, curb, sidewalk,lamppost, signpost, unknown, etc.). In additional and/or alternativeexamples, the perception component 1422 can provide processed sensordata that indicates one or more characteristics associated with adetected entity and/or the environment in which the entity ispositioned. In some examples, characteristics associated with an entitycan include, but are not limited to, an x-position (global position), ay-position (global position), a z-position (global position), anorientation, an entity type (e.g., a classification), a velocity of theentity, an extent of the entity (e.g., size), etc. Characteristicsassociated with the environment can include, but are not limited to, apresence of another entity in the environment, a state of another entityin the environment, a time of day, a day of a week, a season, a weathercondition, an indication of darkness/light, etc.

As noted above, the perception component 1422 can also include thesemantic segmentation component 1430. In some implementations, thesemantic segmentation component 1430 may cause the computing device 1410to perform semantic segmentation on image data, LiDAR data, and/or othersensor data generated by the sensor system(s) 1412 to determineclassifications or labels associated with pixels, points, or otherportions of sensor data. In some embodiments, the semantic segmentationcomponent 1430 may include one or more machine learning algorithmstrained to identify and segment image data into semantic categories. Forexample, the semantic segmentation component 1430 may include aconvolutional neural network (CNN) configured to perform semanticsegmentation on images or other sensor data and/or to determine pixelclassification probability distributions for pixels of images, thoughany other form of semantic segmentation on the image is contemplated. Inat least some examples, the semantic segmentation component 1430 maydetermine classifications or labels for data components including, butnot limited to, car, truck, bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian, particulatematter, building, road sign, lamppost, signpost, tree, bush, or thelike, in addition to, navigable surface, free space, drivable surface,or otherwise. Moreover, various classifications may be identified asinvariant objects, having some known attribute, feature or orientation.As described herein, the semantic segmentation information mayseparately classify one or more invariant objects, which may includelines, planes, or other known features.

In general, the calibration component 1428 can include functionality toverify calibration of and/or calibrate one or more sensors operating inconnection with the sensor pod platform 1402, e.g., one or more of thesensor system(s) 1412. For example, the calibration component 1428 candetect improperly calibrated sensors, schedule calibration routines, andsend calibration data to one or more other components of the sensor podplatform 1402 that utilize data produced by the one or more sensors.

The feature detection component 1432 can analyze image data to determinefeatures, e.g., edges, planar surfaces, or the like. Such image featuresmay correspond to, for example, AKAZE, BRISK, SURF, SIFT, ORB, BRIEF,FAST, FREAK, embeddings, and the like. In other examples, the featuredetection component 1432 can apply a Canny edge detection algorithm todetect edges in images captured by cameras mounted on the sensor podplatform 1402. In other examples, the feature detection component 1432can identify edges based on depth discontinuities, e.g., in LiDAR,time-of-flight, and/or other returns having depth information. Forexample, in implementations described herein, edges detected by thefeature detection component 1432 can be compared to semanticsegmentation information, e.g., to determine whether the detected edgesalign with divisions between object classifications identified from thesemantic segmentation information.

The error determination component 1434 can include functionality todetermine misalignment of features, e.g., features detected by thefeature detection component 1432, relative to an expected featureassociated with objects identified in the semantic segmentationinformation, e.g., generated by the semantic segmentation component1430. For instance, the error determination component can identify adistance between points in sensor data corresponding to a feature and aline, plane, or other feature that represents the expected feature orattribute of the object to which the semantic segmentation informationindicates the points are associated. In the instance of an edge or aplane, the error determination component 1434 can include functionalityto fit a line or plane to sensed data and determine an error, e.g.,offset, of the fit line/plane to the expected return, based on thesemantic segmentation information.

The undistort component 1436 can include functionality to undistortsensor returns, e.g., distorted image data, for comparison to attributesof invariant objects and/or invariant features. In some examples, theundistort component 1436 can store calibration data associated with oneor more sensors of the sensor pod platform 1402. In some instances, thecalibration data can include information about sensor intrinsics. Insome instances, the calibration data can include any extrinsic and/orintrinsic information associated with the one or more sensors, includingbut not limited to, calibration angles, mounting location, height,direction, yaw, tilt, pan, timing information, lens distortionparameters, transmission medium parameters, and the like. Further, thecalibration component 1428 can store a log of some or all of thecalibration operations performed, such as a time elapsed from the mostrecent calibration, and the like. As noted above when discussing theexample of FIG. 11 , calibration error/validation can be carried outusing techniques described herein with explicitly undistorting sensordata. In examples, the invariant feature, e.g., the line associated witha pole can be distorted into the distorted space of the image. In atleast some examples, an optimization may be performed with respect to anassumed calibration to minimize the error and find an improvedcalibration.

In some examples, the calibration component 1428, e.g., executing theerror determination component 1434, can determine whether a calibrationerror is significant enough to impact continued use of the sensor. Byway of non-limiting example, if an error is equal to or above athreshold error for a sensor, the calibration component 1428 cancommunicate a sensor failure to other components of the sensor podplatform 1402. For instance, the localization component 1420, theperception component 1422, and/or the planning component 1424 mayperform functions at the exclusion of the improperly calibrated sensor.Other functioning may similarly be limited. In other examples, thecalibration component 1428 can cause the system controller(s) 1426 tostop the sensor pod platform 1402, for example, when the platform is thevehicle, until sensor calibration can be performed and/or can sendinformation to a remote source, e.g., a teleoperator, to inform of thesensor misalignment and/or request instructions for proceeding.

In some instances, the calibration component 1428 may also includefunctionality to determine a correction function for correcting thecalibration error associated with the sensor system(s) 1412. Forexample, the calibration component 1428 can use the error determined bythe error determination component 1434 to adjust senor data. To correctsensor data, e.g., using a correction function, the calibrationcomponent 1428 may consider data from a plurality of frames, returns, orthe like, and may consider miscalibration relative to a number ofdifferent invariant objects. For instance, while identifying that pointsare not collinear may be sufficient to identify calibration error.,correcting the error may not be accomplished based only on those points.In implementations, errors associated with a number of differentinvariant objects and/or invariant features may be required to determinea calibration function. Moreover, the relationship of invariant objectsmay also be considered when determining a calibration function. By wayof non-limiting example, when two invariant objects have planes that areexpected to be perpendicular, the calibration component 1428 may betterdevelop a calibration function, e.g., by minimizing errors in multipledegrees of freedom. However, additional information may be necessary infurther embodiments to accurately determine a calibration function.

In some instances, aspects of some or all of the components discussedherein may include any models, algorithms, and/or machine learningalgorithms. For example, in some instances, the components in the memory1418 (and memory 1446, discussed below) may be implemented as a neuralnetwork.

As described herein, an exemplary neural network is a biologicallyinspired algorithm which passes input data through a series of connectedlayers to produce an output. Each layer in a neural network may alsocomprise another neural network, or may comprise any number of layers(whether convolutional or not). As may be understood in the context ofthis disclosure, a neural network may utilize machine learning, whichmay refer to a broad class of such algorithms in which an output isgenerated based on learned parameters.

Although discussed in the context of neural networks, any type ofmachine learning may be used consistent with this disclosure. Forexample, machine learning algorithms may include, but are not limitedto, regression algorithms (e.g., ordinary least squares regression(OLSR), linear regression, logistic regression, stepwise regression,multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), locally estimatedscatterplot smoothing (LOESS)), instance-based algorithms (e.g., ridgeregression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO),elastic net, least-angle regression (LARS)), decisions tree algorithms(e.g., classification and regression tree (CART), iterative dichotomiser4 (ID3), Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID), decisionstump, conditional decision trees), Bayesian algorithms (e.g., naïveBayes, Gaussian naïve Bayes, multinomial naïve Bayes, averageone-dependence estimators (AODE), Bayesian belief network (BNN),Bayesian networks), clustering algorithms (e.g., k-means, k-medians,expectation maximization (EM), hierarchical clustering), associationrule learning algorithms (e.g., perceptron, back-propagation, hopfieldnetwork, Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN)), deep learning algorithms(e.g., Deep Boltzmann Machine (DBM), Deep Belief Networks (DBN),Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Stacked Auto-Encoders),Dimensionality Reduction Algorithms (e.g., Principal Component Analysis(PCA), Principal Component Regression (PCR), Partial Least SquaresRegression (PLSR), Sammon Mapping, Multidimensional Scaling (MDS),Projection Pursuit, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), MixtureDiscriminant Analysis (MDA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA),Flexible Discriminant Analysis (FDA)), Ensemble Algorithms (e.g.,Boosting, Bootstrapped Aggregation (Bagging), AdaBoost, StackedGeneralization (blending), Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM), GradientBoosted Regression Trees (GBRT), Random Forest), SVM (support vectormachine), supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervisedlearning, etc.

Additional examples of architectures include neural networks such asResNet30, ResNet101, VGG, DenseNet, PointNet, and the like.

The map(s) 1438 can be used by the sensor pod platform 1402 to determinea location and/or navigate within the environment, when, for example,the platform is a vehicle. For the purpose of this discussion, a map canbe any number of data structures modeled in two dimensions, threedimensions, or N-dimensions that are capable of providing informationabout an environment, such as, but not limited to, topologies (such asintersections), streets, mountain ranges, roads, terrain, and theenvironment in general. In some instances, a map can include, but is notlimited to: texture information (e.g., color information (e.g., RGBcolor information, Lab color information, HSV/HSL color information),and the like), intensity information (e.g., lidar information, radarinformation, and the like); spatial information (e.g., image dataprojected onto a mesh, individual “surfels” (e.g., polygons associatedwith individual color and/or intensity)), reflectivity information(e.g., specularity information, retroreflectivity information, BRDFinformation, BSSRDF information, and the like). In one example, a mapcan include a three-dimensional mesh of the environment. In someinstances, the map can be stored in a tiled format, such that individualtiles of the map represent a discrete portion of an environment, and canbe loaded into working memory as needed. In some examples, the map(s)1438 can include at least one map (e.g., images and/or a mesh). Thesensor pod platform 1402 can be controlled based at least in part on themap(s) 1438. That is, the map(s) 1438 can be used in connection with thelocalization component 1420, the perception component 1422, the planningcomponent 1424, and/or the calibration component 1428 to determine alocation of the sensor pod platform 1402, identify objects in anenvironment, and/or generate routes and/or trajectories to navigatewithin an environment. Moreover, and as described herein, the map(s)1438 can include semantic segmentation information about invariantobjects in an environment. By way of non-limiting example, semanticsegmentation information contained in maps may be used in addition to,or instead of, semantic segmentation information generated by thesemantic segmentation component 1430. In some examples, one or more ofthe map(s) 1438 may include an aggregation of semantic segmentationinformation generated using sensor data generated by the sensor podplatform 1402 and/or one or more additional vehicles.

In at least one example, the sensor system(s) 1412 can include LIDARsensors, radar sensors, time-of-flight sensors, ultrasonic transducers,SONAR sensors, location sensors (e.g., GPS, compass, etc.), inertialsensors (e.g., inertial measurement units, accelerometers,magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc.), cameras (e.g., RGB, IR, intensity,depth, time of flight, etc.), microphones, wheel encoders, environmentsensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors,pressure sensors, etc.), etc. The sensor system(s) 1412 can includemultiple instances of each of these or other types of sensors. Forinstance, the LIDAR sensors (and/or radar sensors) can includeindividual LIDAR sensors (or radar sensors) located at the corners,front, back, sides, and/or top of the sensor pod platform 1402. Asanother example, the camera sensors can include multiple camerasdisposed at various locations about the exterior and/or interior of thesensor pod platform 1402. The sensor system(s) 1412 can provide input tothe computing device 1410. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensorsystem(s) 1412 can send sensor data, via one or more networks 1440, toone or more remote computing devices at a particular frequency, after alapse of a predetermined period of time, in near real-time, etc.

In some examples, the sensor system(s) 1412 can be active sensorsystems, e.g., that include controls for actively adjusting parametersthereof. For example, some cameras may have adjustable shutter speed orexposure time. Similarly, time-of-flight sensors, LiDAR sensors, radarsensors, and the like may have actively adjustable intensity and/or gainattributes. In some implementations, the semantic segmentationinformation may be further used to adjust one or more settings of thesensor. For example, when the semantic segmentation informationidentifies a certain class of type of object in the environment of asensor, the sensor can be adjusted to optimize sensing of that object.For instance, when certain objects that are expected to have an expectedcolor or brightness are identified from the semantic segmentationinformation, the intensity of emitted light can be adjusted to optimizesensing.

The processor(s) 1416 of the sensor pod platform 1402 can be anysuitable processor capable of executing instructions to process data andperform operations as described herein. By way of example and notlimitation, the processor(s) 1416 can comprise one or more CentralProcessing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), or any otherdevice or portion of a device that processes electronic data totransform that electronic data into other electronic data that can bestored in registers and/or memory. In some examples, integrated circuits(e.g., ASICs, etc.), gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs, etc.), and other hardwaredevices can also be considered processors in so far as they areconfigured to implement encoded instructions.

The memory 1418 is an example of non-transitory computer-readable media.The memory 1418 can store an operating system and one or more softwareapplications, instructions, programs, and/or data to implement themethods described herein and the functions attributed to the varioussystems. In various implementations, the memory can be implemented usingany suitable memory technology, such as static random-access memory(SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory,or any other type of memory capable of storing information. Thearchitectures, systems, and individual elements described herein caninclude many other logical, programmatic, and physical components, ofwhich those shown in the accompanying figures are merely examples thatare related to the discussion herein.

While FIG. 14 is illustrated as a distributed system, in alternativeexamples, components of the sensor pod platform 1402 can be associatedwith remote computing devices accessible via the network(s) 1440. Forexample, the sensor pod platform 1402 can send sensor data to one ormore computing device(s) 1442, via the network(s) 1440. In someexamples, the sensor pod platform 1402 can send raw sensor data to thecomputing device(s) 1442. In other examples, the sensor pod platform1402 can send processed sensor data and/or representations of sensordata to the computing device(s) 1442. In some examples, the sensor podplatform 1402 can send sensor data to the computing device(s) 1442 at aparticular frequency, after a lapse of a predetermined period of time,in near real-time, etc. In some cases, the sensor pod platform 1402 cansend sensor data (raw or processed) to the computing device(s) 1442 asone or more log files.

The computing device(s) 1442 can receive the sensor data (raw orprocessed) and can perform calibration operations on the data. In atleast one example, the computing device(s) 1442 can include one or moreprocessors 1444 and memory 1446 communicatively coupled with theprocessor(s) 1444. In the illustrated example, the memory 1446 of thecomputing device(s) 1442 stores a calibration component 1448, a semanticsegmentation component 1450, and/or map(s) 1452. The calibrationcomponent 1448 can include functionality to perform operations similarto those discussed above in the context of the calibration component1428, the semantic segmentation component 1450 can include functionalityto perform operations similar to those discussed above in the context ofthe semantic segmentation component 1430, and the map(s) 1452 maycorrespond to the map(s) 1438. In some instances, the processor(s) 1444and the memory 1446 can include functionality and/or structure similarto that discussed above with respect to the processor(s) 1416 and thememory 1418.

Illustrative Cleaning Systems and Techniques

FIG. 15 shows a view of a cleaning system 1500. In examples, thecleaning system 1500 may include a first nozzle 1502 and a second nozzle1504 disposed adjacent to and directed at a first sensing surface 1506of a first sensor 1508.

In examples, the nozzles are configured to direct a fluid on to thesensing surface to clean the sensing surface. For example, the firstnozzle 1502 applies a first fluid 1510 onto the first sensing surface1506. In examples, the first fluid 1510 is applied at an oblique anglecompared to the sensing surface. In examples, the second nozzle 1504 isconfigured to apply another fluid in a similar fashion to clean thesensing surface.

In examples, multiple sensors of a sensor pod have two nozzles directedtowards the sensing surface to apply the cleaning fluid. In examples,the cleaning fluid may be the same fluid or may be different. Forexample, the cleaning fluid may be compressed air, water, detergent,deicer, alcohol, or other liquid agent. In examples, some sensors of thesensor pod may have multiple nozzles directed at the sensing surfacewhere the cleaning fluid is the same. In examples, some sensors of thesensor pod have multiple nozzles directed at the sensing surface whereeach nozzle applies a different cleaning fluid.

In examples, the cleaning system 1500 include a first manifold and/orreservoir to distribute the cleaning fluid to the nozzle. For example,FIG. 1 shows cleaning system 134 that includes a reservoir, manifold,fluid, pressuring, a pump, valves and controlled by controller 132 toapply the fluid to the sensing surface through the nozzles of one ormore nozzles of one or more of the sensor pods. In examples, thecleaning system 134 may have multiple manifolds and reservoirs tocontrol the delivery of multiple fluids.

In examples, the nozzle is configured to apply the fluid, for example,the first fluid 1510, at an oblique angle onto to the sensing surface.For example, the oblique angle may be between 40 degrees and 85 degreesfrom a perpendicular (normal) direction of the sensing surface. Inexamples, this allows a more efficient and effective cleaning of thesensing surface. In examples, this placement allows the nozzle to beplaced outside of a sensing field of view of the sensor or to obscureonly a small portion of the field of view. In examples, the nozzle isdisposed adjacent to the sensing surface, but outside of at least aportion of the sensing field of view. In examples, the nozzle isdisposed adjacent to the sensing surface, but occludes at least aportion of the sensing field of view. In examples, at least a portion ofthe portion of the sensing field of view being occluded by the nozzle isalso occluded by a portion of the sensor pod other than the nozzle. Forexample, a portion of the sensor field of view may already be blocked bya portion of the sensor pod, and the nozzle may be placed in theeffective shadow of the blocking portion of the sensor pod.

In examples, the sensing surfaces may be different based on the sensors.For example, the sensing surface may include a lens, a shield, awindscreen, a casing, or a radome. In examples, the sensing surface maybe an integral part of the associated sensor or a part separate from theassociated sensor, and may include any material and/or medium throughwhich an associated sensor may receive a signal indicative of theenvironment, and thus, may include, but is not limited to, transparentmaterials, translucent materials, glass, polymers, polycarbonates,and/or combinations thereof. In examples including sensor types such asRADAR, SONAR, and/or other non-optical sensor types, the sensing surfacemay be opaque and transmissive to signals transmitted and/or received bythe sensor.

In examples, the sensor pod also comprises a heater. In examples, eachsensor has a heater. In examples, the heaters are electrosensitiveheaters that convert electrical energy into heat. In examples, a heateris couple between the sensor and the frame that the sensor is mountedto. In examples, the heater is coupled to the cleaning system 1500. Inexamples, a heater associated with a sensor may be activated to reduce,eliminate, or aid in cleaning the sensor or maintaining a clean surface.For example, the heater may be used to reduce, eliminate, or aid in theremoval of frost or ice that may affect the associated sensor. Inexamples, the heater may be used in conjunction with one or more of thefluids provided by the nozzles. For example, the heater may be triggeredto increase the temperature of the sensor prior to the use of a fluid.In examples, the heater may preheat the sensor to reduce any coolingcaused by the later application of fluid. In examples, the heater mayincrease the temperature of the sensor or sensing surface that may causeany residual fluid provided by a nozzle or other environmental source toevaporate or flash off of the sensor and/or sensing surface.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example method and process involvingvehicles having sensor pods with cleaning systems. The methodillustrated in FIG. 12 is described with reference to one or more of thevehicles, sensor pods, and/or systems shown in FIGS. 1-15 forconvenience and ease of understanding. However, the method and processillustrated in FIG. 16 is not limited to being performed using thevehicles, sensor pods, sensors, and/or systems shown in FIGS. 1-15 , andmay be implemented using any of the other vehicles, sensor pods, and/orsystems described in this application, as well vehicles, sensor pods,and/or systems other than those described herein. Moreover, thevehicles, sensor pods, and/or systems described herein are not limitedto performing the methods and processes illustrated in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 16 depicts an example process 1600 of cleaning a sensor of a sensorpod of a vehicle. At operation 1602, responsive to a first trigger, thecleaning system provides a first pressurized fluid to a first nozzle onthe sensor pod. In examples, the first trigger may include an indicationthat the sensor of the sensor pod requires cleaning, an indication thata threshold time has elapsed since a previous cleaning of the sensor, ora weather forecast indicating a weather event or lack of a weatherevent.

In some examples, the system may use one or more of the techniquesdescribed in U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No.15/837,953, filed Dec. 11, 2017, U.S. Non-provisional patent applicationSer. No. 15/944,240, filed Apr. 3, 2018, and/or U.S. Non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/011,335, filed Jun. 18, 2018, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, to determinethat there is an obstruction on the sensor.

At operation 1604, the first nozzle directs the first pressurized fluidonto the sensing surface of the sensor.

At operation 1606, responsive to a second trigger, the cleaning systemceases to provide the first pressurized fluid to the first nozzle. Inexamples, the second trigger may include an indication that the sensingsurface is clean, or an indication that a threshold application time haselapsed since the first pressurized fluid began being directed onto thesensing surface.

At operation 1608, responsive to a third trigger, the cleaning systemmay provide a second pressurized fluid to a second nozzle on the sensorpod. In examples the second nozzle may be adjacent to the sensor of thesensor pod. In examples, the second pressurized fluid is different fromthe first pressurized fluid. In examples, the second pressurized fluidis the same as the first pressurized fluid. In examples, the thirdtrigger may include an indication that the sensor of the sensor podrequires cleaning, an indication that another threshold time has elapsedsince a previous cleaning, an indication that the first nozzle hasceased providing the first pressurized fluid, an indication that aliquid is on the sensing surface, an indication that a weather forecastindicates a weather event, or an indication that a weather forecastindicates a lack of a weather event. For example, when the firstpressurized fluid is a liquid, a liquid residue may remain on thesensing surface. In examples where the second pressurized fluid iscompressed air, the second nozzle may apply the compressed air to blowthe residual liquid from the sensing surface. In examples, when thesecond pressurized fluid is compressed air, the air may be used toremove rain or other liquids on the sensing surface.

At operation 1610, responsive to a fourth trigger, the cleaning systemceases to provide the second pressurized fluid to the second nozzle. Inexamples, the fourth trigger may include an indication that the sensingsurface is clean, or an indication that a threshold application time haselapsed since the second pressurized fluid began being directed onto thesensing surface. The cleaning system may return to operation 1602 when afirst trigger is experienced.

In examples, the cleaning system may provide the pressurized fluid froma central reservoir. In these examples, the cleaning system mayalternate between the sensors on one pod before alternating betweensensors on another pod. In examples, the sensors facing a direction oftravel may be prioritized over sensors facing away from a direction oftravel.

EXAMPLE CLAUSES

Any of the example clauses in this section may be used with any other ofthe example clauses and/or any of the other examples or embodimentsdescribed herein.

A: A sensor pod comprising: a frame comprising a mounting interface toremovably couple the sensor pod to a vehicle; a first sensor removablymounted to a first location of the frame, the first sensor having afirst field of view; a second sensor having a second field of view,mounted to a second location of the frame, wherein at least a portion ofthe first field of view overlaps with at least a portion of the secondfield of view; and a third sensor having a third field of view, mountedto a third location of the frame, wherein at least a portion of thefirst field of view and at least a portion of the second field of viewoverlaps with at least a portion of the third field of view, the firstsensor and the second sensor being of a first type and the third sensorbeing of a second type different than the first type.

B: The sensor pod of paragraph A, wherein: the first type of sensorcomprises an imaging sensor; and the second type of sensor comprises alidar sensor.

C: The sensor pod of paragraphs A or B, further comprising: a fourthsensor removably mounted to a fourth location of the frame, the fourthsensor having a fourth field of view, wherein at least a portion of thesecond field of view and a portion of the third field of view overlapswith at least a portion of the fourth field of view; and a fifth sensorhaving a fifth field of view, mounted to a fifth location of the frame,wherein at least a portion of the fourth field of view overlaps with atleast a portion of the fifth field of view.

D: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the first sensorcomprises a first camera oriented with an optical axis in a firstdirection, the second sensor comprises a second camera oriented with anoptical axis in a second direction, the fourth sensor comprises a thirdcamera oriented with an optical axis in a third direction substantiallyopposite the first direction, wherein the second direction is betweenthe first direction and the third direction, and the first field of viewand the second field of view are different than the third field of view.

E: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-D, the frame comprising acast frame, the cast frame comprising: a first cast surface at the firstlocation configured to support the first sensor; a second cast surfaceat the second location configured to support the second sensor; and athird cast surface at the third location configured to support the thirdsensor.

F: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-E, the cast frame furthercomprising a cast mounting surface at a sixth location configured tomount the sensor pod to the vehicle.

G: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-F, further comprising acleaning system to clean one or more sensors, the cleaning systemcomprising multiple types of fluids applicable to at least one sensor ofthe sensor pod.

H: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-G, further comprising asupply harness coupleable to the vehicle, the supply harness comprisinga liquid connection and a pressurized air connection to supply fluid andpressurized air to the cleaning system and a power connection to supplypower to one or more of the sensors.

I: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-H, further comprising: asensor harness electrically coupleable to the vehicle and electricallycoupled to the first sensor, second sensor, third sensor, fourth sensor,and fifth sensor to transmit sensor data from the first sensor, secondsensor, third sensor, fourth sensor, and fifth sensor to a computingsystem of the vehicle.

J: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs A-I, wherein the sensor podis asymmetric wherein the mounting interface is located at a sixthlocation disposed substantially opposite the second location, andwherein, a sensor pod mount, coupled to the vehicle, protrudes from aside of the sensor pod.

K: A vehicle comprising: a body having four quadrants; two sensor pods,a sensor pod of the two sensor pods disposed at a different quadrant ofthe four quadrants of the vehicle and coupled to the vehicle through amounting arm, sensor pods of the two sensor pods comprising: a framecomprising a mounting interface removably coupled to the mounting arm; afirst sensor removably mounted to a first location of the frame, thefirst sensor having a first field of view; a second sensor having asecond field of view, mounted to a second location of the frame, whereinthe first field of view overlaps with at least a portion of the secondfield of view, the second location disposed substantially opposite themounting arm; a third sensor having a third field of view, mounted to athird location of the frame, wherein at least a portion of the secondfield of view overlaps with at least a portion of the third field ofview; and a fourth sensor removably mounted to a fourth location of theframe, the fourth sensor having a fourth field of view, wherein at leasta portion of the first field of view, a portion of the second field ofview, and a portion of the third field of view overlaps with at least aportion of the fourth field of view.

L: The vehicle of paragraph K, wherein the first sensor, the secondsensor, and the third sensor are of a first type and the fourth sensoris of a second type.

M: The vehicle of paragraph K or L, wherein: the body has a firstlateral side and a second lateral side and a first longitudinal end anda second longitudinal end, a first sensor pod is disposed at a firstquadrant of the vehicle which is at the first lateral side and the firstlongitudinal end; a second sensor pod is disposed at a second quadrantof the vehicle which is at the second lateral side and the firstlongitudinal end; a third sensor pod is disposed at a third quadrant ofthe vehicle which is at the first lateral side and the secondlongitudinal end; a fourth sensor pod is disposed at a fourth quadrantof the vehicle which is at the second lateral side and the secondlongitudinal end; and the first sensor pod and the fourth sensor podhave a first shape, and the second sensor pod and the third sensor podhave a second shape which is a mirror image of the first shape.

N: A system comprising: a frame comprising a mounting interfaceremovably coupling the system to a mounting arm of a vehicle; a firstsensor removably mounted to a first location of the frame, the firstsensor having a first field of view; a second sensor having a secondfield of view, mounted to a second location of the frame, wherein atleast a portion of the first field of view overlaps with at least aportion of the second field of view, the second location disposedsubstantially opposite the mounting arm; and a third sensor having athird field of view, mounted to a third location of the frame, whereinat least a portion of the second field of view overlaps with at least aportion of the third field of view, the first sensor and the secondsensor being of a first type and the third sensor being of a second typedifferent than the first type.

O: The system of paragraph N, wherein: the first type of sensorcomprises an imaging sensor; and the second type of sensor comprises alidar sensor.

P: The system of paragraph N or O, further comprising a fourth sensorremovably mounted to a fourth location of the frame, the fourth sensorhaving a fourth field of view, wherein at least a portion of the secondfield of view overlaps with at least a portion of the fourth field ofview.

Q: The system of any one of paragraphs N-P, wherein the first sensorcomprises a first camera oriented with an optical axis in a firstdirection, the second sensor comprises a second camera oriented with anoptical axis in a second direction, the fourth sensor comprises a thirdcamera oriented with an optical axis in a third direction substantiallyopposite the first direction, wherein the second direction is betweenthe first direction and the third direction, and the first field of viewand second field of view are different than the third field of view.

R: The system of any one of paragraphs N-Q, the frame comprising a castframe, the cast frame comprising: a first cast surface at the firstlocation configured to support the first sensor; a second cast surfaceat the second location configured to support the second sensor; a thirdcast surface at the third location configured to support the thirdsensor; and a cast mounting surface at a sixth location configured tomount the system to the vehicle, wherein the first sensor is mountedrelative to the second sensor below a first tolerance threshold, and thesecond sensor is mounted relative to the vehicle below a secondtolerance threshold.

S: The system of any one of paragraphs N-R, further comprising acleaning system to clean one or more sensors, the cleaning systemcomprising multiple types of fluids applicable to at least one sensor.

T: The system of any one of paragraphs N-S, further comprising a supplyharness coupleable to the vehicle, the supply harness comprising aliquid connection and a pressurized air connection to supply fluid andpressurized air to the cleaning system and a power connection to supplypower to one or more of the sensors.

U: A vehicle comprising: a body having a first end and a second enddistal to the first end along a longitudinal axis; a first sensor pod,comprising multiple sensors disposed in a first sensor pod housing, thefirst sensor pod removably coupled to the body at a first location, thefirst location adjacent to the first end spaced from the longitudinalaxis in a first direction along a first transverse axis, at an elevationabove a ground interface; a second sensor pod, comprising multiplesensors disposed in a second sensor pod housing, the second sensor podremovably coupled to the body at a second location, the second locationadjacent to the first end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction along the first transverse axis,at the elevation; a third sensor pod, comprising multiple sensorsdisposed in a third sensor pod housing, the third sensor pod removablycoupled to the body at a third location, the third location adjacent tothe second end spaced from the longitudinal axis in the first direction,along a second transverse axis, at the elevation; and a fourth sensorpod, comprising multiple sensors disposed in a fourth sensor podhousing, the fourth sensor pod removably coupled to the body at a fourthlocation, the fourth location adjacent to the second end spaced from thelongitudinal axis in the second direction, opposite the first directionalong the second transverse axis, at the elevation, wherein: the firstsensor pod has a first effective sensor field of view, the second sensorpod has a second effective sensor field of view, the third sensor podhas a third effective sensor field of view, and the fourth sensor podhas a fourth effective sensor field of view; the first effective sensorfield of view overlapping with a least a portion of the second effectivesensor field of view and with at least a portion of the third effectivesensor field of view; the second effective sensor field of viewoverlapping with a least a portion of the first effective sensor fieldand with at least a portion of the fourth effective sensor field ofview; the third effective sensor field of view overlapping with a leasta portion of the first effective sensor field of view and with at leasta portion of the fourth effective sensor field of view; and the fourtheffective sensor field of view overlapping with a least a portion of thesecond effective sensor field of view and with at least a portion of thethird effective sensor field.

V: The vehicle of paragraph U, the first effective sensor field of viewof the first sensor pod overlapping with a least a portion of the fourtheffective sensor field of view of the fourth sensor pod.

W: The vehicle of paragraphs U or V, wherein fields of view of the firsteffective sensor field of view, the second effective sensor field ofview, the third effective sensor field of view, and the fourth effectivesensor field of view is between 260 and 280 degrees.

X: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-W, wherein the first effectivesensor field of view, the second effective sensor field of view, thethird effective sensor field of view, and the fourth effective sensorfield of view collectively provide an effective vehicle field of view of360 degrees at a first distance from the vehicle.

Y: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-X, wherein the first sensorpod protrudes at least an eight inch distance from the first end and atleast an eight inch distance from a lateral side of the body.

Z: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-Y, wherein at least three ofthe first effective sensor field of view, the second effective sensorfield of view, the third effective sensor field of view, or the fourtheffective sensor field of view collectively provide an effective vehiclefield of view of 360 degrees at a first distance from the vehicle.

AA: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-Z, wherein one or more sensorpods protrude at least an eight inch distance from a longitudinal endand at least an eight inch distance from a lateral side of the body ofthe vehicle.

BB: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-AA, the elevation above fourfeet and below one foot above of a top of the body.

CC: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-BB, the first sensor pod andthird sensor pod comprising a first type of sensor pod, the secondsensor pod and fourth sensor pod comprising a second type of sensor pod,the second type of sensor pod being a mirror image of the first type ofsensor pod.

DD: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-CC, further comprisinganother sensor disposed on the body separate from the first sensor pod,the second sensor pod, the third sensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod,wherein the other sensor has a fifth field of view, which overlaps withat least a portion of two of the first effective sensor field of view,the second effective sensor field of view, the third effective sensorfield of view, or the fourth effective sensor field of view.

EE: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs U-DD, wherein the firstlocation is within a first distance of the first end and the spacingfrom the longitudinal axis of the first location is greater than asecond distance from the longitudinal axis, such that the effectivesensor field of view of the first sensor pod includes a view of anobject behind an obstacle located at a first position relative to andspaced from the vehicle.

FF: A sensor system comprising: a first sensor pod, comprising multiplesensors disposed in a first sensor pod housing, the first sensor pod,removably coupleable to a vehicle body at a first location, the firstlocation adjacent to a first end spaced from a longitudinal axis of thebody in a first direction along a first transverse axis, at an elevationabove a ground interface; a second sensor pod, comprising multiplesensors disposed in a second sensor pod housing, the second sensor podremovably coupleable to the body at a second location, the secondlocation adjacent to the first end spaced from the longitudinal axis ina second direction, opposite the first direction along the firsttransverse axis, at the elevation; a third sensor pod, comprisingmultiple sensors disposed in a third sensor pod housing, the thirdsensor pod removably coupleable to the body at a third location, thethird location adjacent to a second end spaced from the longitudinalaxis in the first direction, along a second transverse axis, at theelevation, the second end distal to the first end along the longitudinalaxis; and a fourth sensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposed in afourth sensor pod housing, the fourth sensor pod removably coupleable tothe body at a fourth location, the fourth location adjacent to thesecond end spaced from the longitudinal axis in the second direction,opposite the first direction along the second transverse axis, at theelevation, wherein: the first sensor pod has a first effective sensorfield of view, the second sensor pod has a second effective sensor fieldof view, the third sensor pod has a third effective sensor field ofview, and the fourth sensor pod has a fourth effective sensor field ofview; the first effective sensor field of view overlapping with a leasta portion of the second effective sensor field of view and with at leasta portion of the third effective sensor field of view; the secondeffective sensor field of view overlapping with a least a portion of thefirst effective sensor field and with at least a portion of the fourtheffective sensor field of view; the third effective sensor field of viewoverlapping with a least a portion of the first effective sensor fieldof view and with at least a portion of the fourth effective sensor fieldof view; and the fourth effective sensor field of view overlapping witha least a portion of the second effective sensor field of view and withat least a portion of the third effective sensor field.

GG: The sensor system of paragraph FF, the first effective sensor fieldof view of the first sensor pod overlapping with a least a portion ofthe fourth effective sensor field of view of the fourth sensor pod at afirst distance from the vehicle.

HH: The sensor system of paragraph FF or GG, wherein the first effectivesensor field of view, the second effective sensor field of view, thethird effective sensor field of view, and the fourth effective sensorfield of view collectively provide an effective vehicle field of view of360 degrees at a first distance from the vehicle.

II: The sensor system of any one of paragraphs FF-HH, wherein the firsteffective sensor field of view, the second effective sensor field ofview, the third effective sensor field of view, and the fourth effectivesensor field of view are at least 270 degrees.

JJ: The sensor system of any one of paragraphs FF-II, wherein at leastthree of the first effective sensor field of view, the second effectivesensor field of view, the third effective sensor field of view, or thefourth effective sensor field of view collectively provide an effectivevehicle field of view of 360 degrees at a first distance from thevehicle.

KK: The sensor system of any one of paragraphs FF-JJ, wherein one ormore sensor pods protrude at least an eight inch distance from alongitudinal end and at least an eight inch distance from a lateral sideof the body of the vehicle.

LL: The sensor system of any one of paragraphs FF-KK, the first sensorpod and third sensor pod comprising a first type of sensor pod, thesecond sensor pod and fourth sensor pod comprising a second type ofsensor pod, the second type of sensor pod being a mirror image of thefirst type of sensor pod.

MM: The sensor system of any one of paragraphs FF-LL, further comprisinganother sensor disposed on the body separate from the first sensor pod,the second sensor pod, the third sensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod,wherein the other sensor has a fifth field of view, which overlaps withat least a portion of two of the first effective sensor field of view,the second effective sensor field of view, the third effective sensorfield of view, or the fourth effective sensor field of view.

NN: A vehicle comprising: a body having a first longitudinal end and asecond longitudinal end distal to the first longitudinal end along alongitudinal axis; and a sensor pod removably coupled to the body, thesensor pod protruding at least an eight inch distance from thelongitudinal end and at least an eight inch distance from a lateral sideof the body of the vehicle, and at an elevation above a groundinterface, the elevation above five feet and within two feet of atop ofthe body, sensor pod comprising a first sensor of a first type and asecond sensor of a second type.

OO: The vehicle of paragraph NN, wherein the sensor pod has an effectivefield of view of greater than 270 degrees.

PP: A sensor pod comprising: a frame coupleable to a vehicle; a sensorcoupled to the frame; an impact structure coupled to the frame, theimpact structure comprising: an outer surface configured to interfacewith a pedestrian during an impact, at least a portion of the outersurface disposed outboard of the sensor relative to the frame; and animpact energy absorbing structure disposed between the outer surface andframe and configured to absorb a portion of energy transferred throughthe outer surface from the impact.

QQ: The sensor pod of paragraph PP, the impact energy absorbingstructure comprising a stress concentration zone during impact, thestress concentration zone configured to cause local plastic deformationof the impact energy absorbing structure to absorb energy from theimpact.

RR: The sensor pod of paragraph PP or QQ, the stress concentration zoneconfigured to cause local plastic deformation above a first impact forcethreshold and below a second impact force threshold.

SS: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-RR, the outer surfaceconfigured to move substantially uniformly with respect to the frameduring the impact.

TT: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-SS, the outer surfacecomprising a thickness being configured to plastically deform above afirst impact force threshold and below a second impact force thresholdduring impact.

UU: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-TT, the outer surfacebeing substantially convex.

VV: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-UU, the outer surfacebeing substantially convex in two orthogonal directions.

WW: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-VV, further comprisinganother sensor disposed above the frame and coupled to the frame by adeformable fastener.

XX: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-WW, the deformablefastener comprising a stress concentration zone to cause local plasticdeformation of the deformable fastener to absorb energy from the impact;and the deformable fastener configured to release the other sensor whenthe impact exceeds a third impact force threshold.

YY: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs PP-XX, further comprising abaffle structure disposed between the sensor and the outer surface, thebaffle structure comprising a crumple zone configured to plasticallydeform during an impact and absorb energy from the impact.

ZZ: A system comprising: a frame coupleable to a vehicle; a sensorcoupled to the frame; an impact structure coupled to the frame, theimpact structure comprising: an outer surface configured to interfacewith a pedestrian during an impact, at least a portion of the outersurface disposed outboard of the sensor relative to the frame; and animpact energy absorbing structure disposed between the outer surface andframe and configured to absorb a portion of energy transferred throughthe outer surface from the impact.

AAA: The system of paragraph ZZ, the impact energy absorbing structurecomprising a stress concentration zone during impact, the stressconcentration zone configured to cause local plastic deformation of theimpact energy absorbing structure to absorb energy from the impact.

BBB: The system of paragraph ZZ or AAA, the stress concentration zoneconfigured to cause local plastic deformation above a first impact forcethreshold and below a second impact force threshold.

CCC: The system of any one of paragraphs ZZ-BBB, the outer surfaceconfigured to move substantially uniformly with respect to the frameduring the impact.

DDD: The system of any one of paragraphs ZZ-CCC, the outer surface beingsubstantially convex in two orthogonal directions.

EEE: A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a sensor pod protruding fromthe vehicle body, the sensor pod comprising: a frame coupleable to thevehicle; a sensor coupled to the frame; an impact structure coupled tothe frame, the impact structure comprising: an outer surface configuredto interface with a pedestrian during an impact, at least a portion ofthe outer surface disposed outboard of the sensor relative to the frame;and an impact energy absorbing structure disposed between the outersurface and frame and configured to absorb a portion of energytransferred through the outer surface from the impact.

FFF: The vehicle of paragraph EEE, further comprising another sensor podprotruding from the vehicle body, wherein the sensor pod protrudes froma first quadrant of the vehicle body and the other sensor pod protrudesfrom a second quadrant of the vehicle body.

GGG: The vehicle of paragraph EEE or FFF, wherein the sensor pod is afirst sensor pod protruding from a first quadrant of the vehicle body, asecond sensor pod protruding from the vehicle body at a second quadrantof the vehicle body.

HHH: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs EEE-GGG, the impact energyabsorbing structure comprising a stress concentration zone duringimpact, the stress concentration zone configured to cause local plasticdeformation of the impact energy absorbing structure to absorb energyfrom the impact.

III: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs EEE-HHH, the stressconcentration zone configured to cause local plastic deformation above afirst impact force threshold and below a second impact force threshold.

JJJ: A system comprising: a frame comprising a vehicle mountinginterface, a first mounting location and a second mounting location; afirst sensor coupled to the frame at the first mounting location; asecond sensor coupled to the frame at the second mounting location; oneor more processors; and non-transitory computer-readable media storingone or more instructions that, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform acts comprising: receiving, from the first sensor,first sensor data of an environment of the system; receiving, from thesecond sensor, second sensor data of the environment of the system;segmenting, as first segmented data, the first sensor data based atleast in part on a representation of a first invariant object in thefirst sensor data; segmenting, as second segmented data, the secondsensor data based at least in part on a representation of a secondinvariant object in the second sensor data; determining, based at leastin part on the first segmented data, a subset of the first sensor dataassociated with the first invariant object; determining, based at leastin part on the second segmented data, a subset of the second sensor dataassociated with the second invariant object; determining, based at leastin part on the subset of the first sensor data, a first calibrationerror associated with the first sensor; determining, based at least inpart on the subset of the second sensor data, a second calibration errorassociated with the second sensor; and determining, based at least inpart on the first calibration error associated with the first sensor andthe second calibration error associated with the second sensor, a systemcalibration factor associated with the system.

KKK: The system of paragraph JJJ, further comprising a mount coupled tothe frame at the vehicle mounting interface, the mount fixed relative tothe environment.

LLL: The system of paragraphs JJJ or KKK, the environment containing thefirst invariant within a 90-degree field of view.

MMM: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-LLL, the mount havingindexed orientations, the first sensor data received at a first index,the second sensor data received at a second index, the determiningfurther based at least in part on the first index orientation and thesecond index orientation.

NNN: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-MMM, further comprising athird sensor coupled to the frame at a third mounting location; and theacts further comprising: receiving, from the third sensor, third sensordata of the environment of the system; segmenting, as third segmenteddata, the third sensor data based at least in part on a representationof a third invariant object in the third sensor data; determining, basedat least in part on the third segmented data, a subset of the thirdsensor data associated with the third invariant object; determining,based at least in part on the subset of the third sensor data, a thirdcalibration error associated with the third sensor; and the determiningthe system calibration factor associated with the system being furtherbased at least in part on the third calibration error associated withthe third sensor.

OOO: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-NNN, wherein: the mount hasindexed orientations; the first sensor data and second sensor datareceived with the frame oriented at a first index; the third sensor datareceived with the frame oriented at a second index; the acts furthercomprising: receiving fourth sensor data from the second sensor with theframe at a second index; and the determining the system calibrationfactor associated with the system being further based at least in parton the third sensor data and the fourth sensor data.

PPP: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-OOO, the first invariantbeing the same as the second invariant.

QQQ: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-PPP, the first invariantcomprising a fiducial, a portion of a building, wall, corner, pole,window, roof/ceiling line, wall-ceiling/roof intersection, orcombinations thereof.

RRR: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-QQQ, wherein the firstsensor is a different type of sensor from the second sensor.

SSS: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-RRR, wherein the firstsensor comprises a camera, and the second sensor comprises a lidar.

TTT: The system of any one of paragraphs JJJ-SSS, the acts furthercomprising: receiving, from a sensor pod, sensor pod data representativeof a third invariant; determining, based at least in part on the sensorpod data, a sensor pod calibration factor; and determining, based atleast in part on the system calibration factor and the sensor podcalibration factor, whether the sensor pod is compatible with the firstsensor and the second sensor mounted to the frame, when the sensor podand the frame are mounted to a vehicle.

UUU: A vehicle comprising: a sensor pod comprising a first sensor and asecond sensor; one or more processors; and non-transitorycomputer-readable media storing one or more instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising:receiving, from the first sensor, sensor data of an environment of thevehicle; segmenting, as segmented data, the sensor data based at leastin part on a representation of an invariant object in the sensor data;determining, based at least in part on the segmented data, a subset ofthe sensor data associated with the invariant object; determining, basedat least in part on the subset of the sensor data, a calibration errorassociated with the first sensor; and determining, based at least inpart on the calibration error and a sensor pod calibration factor, anestimated calibration error associated with the second sensor.

VVV: The vehicle of the paragraph of UUU, wherein the sensor podcalibration factor is based at least in part on a first calibrationerror associated with the first sensor based at least in part on firstdata received from the first sensor, representative of a firstinvariant, and a second calibration error associated with the secondsensor based at least in part on second data received from the secondsensor, representative of a second invariant.

WWW: The vehicle of paragraph UUU or VVV, wherein the first invariant isthe same as the second invariant.

XXX: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs UUU-WWW, wherein the firstsensor comprises a camera, and the second sensor comprises a lidar.

YYY: The vehicle of any one of paragraphs UUU-XXX, the acts furthercomprising: receiving, from another sensor pod, sensor pod datarepresentative of a third invariant; determining, based at least in parton the sensor pod data, another sensor pod calibration factor; anddetermining, based at least in part on the sensor pod calibration factorand the other sensor pod calibration factor, whether the sensor pod andthe other sensor pod have compatible effective fields of view when thesensor pod and the other sensor pod are mounted to the vehicle.

ZZZ: A method comprising: receiving, from a first sensor pod, firstsensor data representative of a first invariant; determining, based atleast in part on the first sensor data, a first calibration factor;receiving, from a second sensor pod, second sensor data representativeof a second invariant; determining, based at least in part on the secondsensor data, a second calibration factor; and determining, based atleast in part on the first calibration factor and the second calibrationfactor, whether the first sensor pod and the second sensor pod havecompatible effective fields of view.

AAAA: The method of paragraph ZZZ, further comprising pairing the firstsensor pod with the second sensor pod for installation on a vehicle whendetermined to have compatible effective fields of view.

BBBB: The method of paragraph ZZZ or AAAA, further comprisinginstalling, when determined to have compatible fields of view, the firstsensor pod on a vehicle where the second on a vehicle is alreadyinstalled.

CCCC: The method of any one of paragraphs ZZZ-BBBB, wherein the firstsensor data comprises data from a plurality of sensors of the firstsensor pod.

DDDD: A sensor pod comprising: a first sensor coupled to a frame, thefirst sensor having a first sensing surface and a sensing field of view;a first nozzle disposed adjacent to and directed at the first sensingsurface, the first nozzle configured to apply a first fluid to the firstsensing surface to clean the first sensing surface; a second nozzledisposed adjacent to and directed at the first sensing surface, thesecond nozzle configured to apply a second fluid to the first sensingsurface to clean the first sensing surface; a second sensor coupled tothe frame, the second sensor having a second sensing surface and asensing field of view; a third nozzle disposed adjacent to and directedat the second sensing surface, the third nozzle configured to apply thefirst fluid to the second sensing surface to clean the second sensingsurface; a fourth nozzle disposed adjacent to and directed at the secondsensing surface, the fourth nozzle configured to apply the second fluidto the second sensing surface to clean the second sensing surface; afirst manifold to distribute the first fluid to the first nozzle and thethird nozzle; and a second manifold to distribute the second fluid tothe second nozzle and the fourth nozzle.

EEEE: The sensor pod of paragraph DDDD, wherein the first fluidcomprises air, liquid, water, detergent, cleaning solution, deicer, oralcohol, and the second fluid comprises air, liquid, water, detergent,cleaning solution, deicer, or alcohol.

FFFF: The sensor pod of paragraphs DDDD or EEEE, wherein the first fluidis different than the second fluid.

GGGG: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-FFFF, the firstnozzle configured to apply the fluid at an oblique angle to the firstsensing surface.

HHHH: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-GGGG, the first fluidprovided to the first sensing surface from a reservoir providing fluidto another sensor pod.

IIII: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-HHHH, the nozzledisposed adjacent to the sensing surface outside of the sensing field ofview.

JJJJ: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-JJJJ, the nozzledisposed within the sensing field of view and behind a portion of thesensor pod that at least partially obstructs the sensing field of view.

KKKK: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-JJJJ, furthercomprising one or more additional nozzles spaced at substantially equaldistances around the sensor, sensing surface, or field of view.

LLLL: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-KKKK, the sensingsurface comprising a lens, a shield, a windscreen, a casing, or aradome.

MMMM: The sensor pod of any one of paragraphs DDDD-LLLL, furthercomprising a supply harness coupleable to a vehicle, the supply harnesscomprising one or more of power, liquid, or pressurized air.

NNNN: A method of operating a sensor pod comprising: responsive to afirst trigger, providing a pressurized fluid to a nozzle on the sensorpod, the nozzle adjacent to a sensor of the sensor pod; directing thepressurized fluid through the nozzle onto a sensing surface of thesensor; and responsive to a second trigger, ceasing to provide thepressurized fluid to the nozzle.

OOOO: The method of paragraph NNNN, further comprising: receiving firstsensor data indicating a first condition; generating, based at least inpart on the first sensor data, a first signal indicating the firsttrigger, wherein the providing the pressurized fluid is based at leastin part on the first signal; receiving second sensor data indicating asecond condition; and generating, based at least in part on the secondsensor data, a second signal indicating the second trigger, wherein theceasing to provide the pressurized fluid is based at least in part onthe second signal.

PPPP: The method of paragraphs NNNN or OOOO, wherein the first triggercomprises one or more of an indication that a sensor of the sensor podrequires cleaning, an indication that a threshold time has elapsed sincea previous cleaning, or a weather forecast.

QQQQ: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-PPPP, wherein the secondtrigger comprises an indication that the sensing surface is clean, or anindication that a threshold application time has elapsed since thepressurized fluid began being directed onto the sensing surface.

RRRR: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-QQQQ, further comprising:responsive to a third trigger, providing another pressurized fluid toanother nozzle on the sensor pod, the other nozzle adjacent to thesensor of the sensor pod; directing the other pressurized fluid throughthe other nozzle onto the sensing surface of the sensor; and responsiveto a fourth trigger, ceasing to provide the other pressurized fluid tothe other nozzle.

SSSS: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-RRRR, wherein the thirdtrigger comprises an indication that the sensor of the sensor podrequires cleaning, an indication that another threshold time has elapsedsince a previous cleaning, an indication that the nozzle has ceasedproviding the pressurized fluid, or an indication that a liquid is onthe sensing surface.

TTTT: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-SS SS, wherein the fourthtrigger comprises an indication that the sensing surface is clean, or anindication that a threshold application time has elapsed since the otherpressurized fluid began being directed onto the sensing surface.

UUUU: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-TTTT, wherein: the firsttrigger comprises an indication that a sensor of the sensor pod requirescleaning, or an indication that a threshold time has elapsed since aprevious cleaning, the second trigger comprises an indication that thesensing surface is clean, or an indication that a threshold applicationtime has elapsed since the pressurized fluid began being directed ontothe sensing surface; the third trigger comprises an indication that thesensor of the sensor pod requires cleaning, an indication that anotherthreshold time has elapsed since a previous cleaning, an indication thatthe nozzle has ceased providing the pressurized fluid, or an indicationthat a liquid is on the sensing surface; and the fourth triggercomprises an indication that the sensing surface is clear, or anindication that a threshold application time has elapsed since the otherpressurized fluid began being directed onto the sensing surface.

VVVV: The method of any one of paragraphs NNNN-UUUU, wherein thepressurized fluid comprises a liquid, and the other pressurized fluidcomprises compressed air.

WWWW: A system comprising: a sensor pod comprising multiple sensors, asensor of the multiple sensors having a sensing surface; multiplenozzles disposed at the sensor, a first nozzle of the multiple nozzlesconfigured to apply a first fluid and a second nozzle of the multiplenozzles configured to apply a second fluid; a manifold to distribute thefluid to the multiple sensors.)

XXXX: The system of paragraph WWWW, wherein the first nozzle isconfigured to apply the fluid at an oblique angle to the sensingsurface.

While the example clauses described above are described with respect toone particular implementation, it should be understood that, in thecontext of this document, the content of the example clauses may also beimplemented via a method, device, system, a computer-readable medium,and/or another implementation.

CONCLUSION

While one or more examples of the techniques described herein have beendescribed, various alterations, additions, permutations and equivalentsthereof are included within the scope of the techniques describedherein.

In the description of examples, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part hereof, which show by way of illustrationspecific examples of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understoodthat other examples can be used and that changes or alterations, such asstructural changes, can be made. Such examples, changes or alterationsare not necessarily departures from the scope with respect to theintended claimed subject matter. While the steps herein may be presentedin a certain order, in some cases the ordering may be changed so thatcertain inputs are provided at different times or in a different orderwithout changing the function of the systems and methods described. Thedisclosed procedures could also be executed in different orders.Additionally, various computations that are herein need not be performedin the order disclosed, and other examples using alternative orderingsof the computations could be readily implemented. In addition to beingreordered, the computations could also be decomposed intosub-computations with the same results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a body having a first endand a second end distal to the first end along a longitudinal axis; afirst sensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposed in a first sensorpod housing, the first sensor pod removably coupled to the body at afirst location, the first location adjacent to the first end spaced fromthe longitudinal axis in a first direction along a first transverseaxis, at an elevation above a ground interface; a second sensor pod,comprising multiple sensors disposed in a second sensor pod housing, thesecond sensor pod removably coupled to the body at a second location,the second location adjacent to the first end spaced from thelongitudinal axis in a second direction, opposite the first directionalong the first transverse axis, at the elevation; a third sensor pod,comprising multiple sensors disposed in a third sensor pod housing, thethird sensor pod removably coupled to the body at a third location, thethird location adjacent to the second end spaced from the longitudinalaxis in the first direction, along a second transverse axis, at theelevation; and a fourth sensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposedin a fourth sensor pod housing, the fourth sensor pod removably coupledto the body at a fourth location, the fourth location adjacent to thesecond end spaced from the longitudinal axis in the second direction,opposite the first direction along the second transverse axis, at theelevation, wherein: the first sensor pod has a first effective sensorfield of view of at least 260 degrees and less than 360 degrees about anexterior of the body, wherein the first effective field of viewcomprises a first continuous and unobstructed view of a first lateralside of the body and the first end; the second sensor pod has a secondeffective sensor field of view of at least 260 degrees and less than 360degrees about the exterior of the body, wherein the second effectivefield of view comprises a second continuous and unobstructed view of thefirst lateral side and the second end; the third sensor pod has a thirdeffective sensor field of view of at least 260 degrees and less than 360degrees about the exterior of the body, wherein the third effectivefield of view comprises a third continuous and unobstructed view of thefirst end and a second lateral side of the body; the fourth sensor podhas a fourth effective sensor field of view of at least 260 degrees andless than 360 degrees about the exterior of the body, wherein the fourtheffective field of view comprises a fourth continuous and unobstructedview of the second lateral side and the second end; the first effectivesensor field of view overlapping with at least a portion of the secondeffective sensor field of view capturing the first lateral side and withat least a portion of the third effective sensor field of view capturingthe first end, wherein the first lateral side is adjacent to the firstend; the second effective sensor field of view overlapping with at leasta portion of the first effective sensor field of view capturing thefirst lateral side and with at least a portion of the fourth effectivesensor field of view capturing the second end, wherein the first lateralside is adjacent to the second end; the third effective sensor field ofview overlapping with at least a portion of the first effective sensorfield of view capturing the first end and with at least a portion of thefourth effective sensor field of view capturing the second lateral side,wherein the second lateral side is adjacent to the first end; the fourtheffective sensor field of view overlapping with at least a portion ofthe second effective sensor field of view capturing the second end andwith at least a portion of the third effective sensor field capturingthe second lateral side, wherein the second lateral side is adjacent tothe second end; and the first sensor pod, second sensor pod, thirdsensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod are each mounted to a respectivearm extending from the exterior of the vehicle such that the firstsensor pod, second sensor pod, third sensor pod, and the fourth sensorpod extend beyond a periphery of the body.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein each respective arm extends for a substantially similar distancefrom a different corner of the body and substantially oblique to anyside of the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein three of thefirst effective sensor field of view, the second effective sensor fieldof view, the third effective sensor field of view, or the fourtheffective sensor field of view collectively provide an effective vehiclefield of view of 360 degrees at a first distance from the vehicle. 4.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the first sensor pod, the secondsensor pod, the third sensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod protrude atleast an eight inch distance from a longitudinal end and at least aneight inch distance from a lateral side at a different respective cornerof the body of the vehicle.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1, furthercomprising an additional sensor disposed on the body separate from thefirst sensor pod, the second sensor pod, the third sensor pod, and thefourth sensor pod, wherein the additional sensor has a fifth field ofview, which overlaps with at least a portion of two of the firsteffective sensor field of view, the second effective sensor field ofview, the third effective sensor field of view, or the fourth effectivesensor field of view.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the firstlocation is within a first distance of the first end and the spacingfrom the longitudinal axis of the first location is greater than asecond distance from the longitudinal axis, such that the effectivesensor field of view of the first sensor pod includes a view of anobject behind an obstacle located at a first position relative to andspaced from the vehicle.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein therespective arm is attached to the body and extends through a panel ofthe body.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first effective sensorfield of view, the second effective sensor field of view, the thirdeffective sensor field of view, and the fourth effective sensor field ofview each comprise a camera field of view.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the first sensor pod, the second sensor pod, the third sensorpod, and the fourth sensor pod are each mounted below a roof of thevehicle.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: the first effective sensorfield of view comprises a first field of view of a first sensor of themultiple sensors disposed in the first sensor pod having a first opticalaxis substantially perpendicular to the first lateral side and a secondfield of view associated with a second sensor of the multiple sensorsdisposed in the first sensor pod having a second optical axissubstantially perpendicular to the first end; the second effectivesensor field of view comprises a third field of view of a first sensorof the multiple sensors disposed in the second sensor pod having a thirdoptical axis substantially perpendicular to the first lateral side and afourth field of view associated with a second sensor of the multiplesensors disposed in the second sensor pod having a fourth optical axissubstantially perpendicular to the second end; the third effectivesensor field of view comprises a fifth field of view of a first sensorof the multiple sensors disposed in the third sensor pod having a fifthoptical axis substantially perpendicular to the second lateral side anda sixth field of view associated with a second sensor of the multiplesensors disposed in the third sensor pod having a sixth optical axissubstantially perpendicular to the first end; and the fourth effectivesensor field of view comprises a seventh field of view of a first sensorof the multiple sensors disposed in the fourth sensor pod having aseventh optical axis substantially perpendicular to the second end andan eighth field of view associated with a second sensor of the multiplesensors disposed in the fourth sensor pod having an eighth optical axissubstantially perpendicular to the second lateral side.
 11. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein: the first sensor pod is configured to capture firstsensor data representing the first lateral side and representing thefirst end; the second sensor pod is configured to capture second sensordata representing the second end and redundantly representing the firstlateral side; the third sensor pod is configured to capture third sensordata representing the second lateral side and redundantly representingthe second end; and the fourth sensor pod is configured to capturefourth sensor data redundantly representing the second lateral side andredundantly representing the second end.
 12. A sensor system comprising:a first sensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposed in a firstsensor pod housing, the first sensor pod, removably coupleable to avehicle body at a first location, the first location adjacent to a firstend spaced from a longitudinal axis of the vehicle body in a firstdirection along a first transverse axis, at an elevation above a groundinterface; a second sensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposed ina second sensor pod housing, the second sensor pod removably coupleableto the vehicle body at a second location, the second location adjacentto the first end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction along the first transverse axis,at the elevation; a third sensor pod, comprising multiple sensorsdisposed in a third sensor pod housing, the third sensor pod removablycoupleable to the vehicle body at a third location, the third locationadjacent to a second end spaced from the longitudinal axis in the firstdirection, along a second transverse axis, at the elevation, the secondend distal to the first end along the longitudinal axis; and a fourthsensor pod, comprising multiple sensors disposed in a fourth sensor podhousing, the fourth sensor pod removably coupleable to the vehicle bodyat a fourth location, the fourth location adjacent to the second endspaced from the longitudinal axis in the second direction, opposite thefirst direction along the second transverse axis, at the elevation,wherein: the first sensor pod has a first effective sensor field of viewof at least 260 degrees and less than 360 degrees about an exterior ofthe vehicle body, wherein the first effective sensor field of viewcomprises a first continuous and unobstructed view of a first lateralside of the vehicle body and the first end; the second sensor pod has asecond effective sensor field of view of at least 260 degrees and lessthan 360 degrees about the exterior of the vehicle body, wherein thesecond effective sensor field of view comprises a second continuous andunobstructed view of the first lateral side and the second end; thethird sensor pod has a third effective sensor field of view of at least260 degrees and less than 360 degrees about the exterior of the vehiclebody, wherein the third effective sensor field of view comprises a thirdcontinuous and unobstructed view of the first end and a second lateralside of the vehicle body; the fourth sensor pod has a fourth effectivesensor field of view of at least 260 degrees and less than 360 degreesabout the exterior of the vehicle body, wherein the fourth effectivesensor field of view comprises a fourth continuous and unobstructed viewof the second lateral side and the second end; the first effectivesensor field of view overlapping with at least a portion of the secondeffective sensor field of view capturing the first lateral side and withat least a portion of the third effective sensor field of view capturingthe first end, wherein the first lateral side is adjacent to the firstend; the second effective sensor field of view overlapping with at leasta portion of the first effective sensor field of view capturing thefirst lateral side and with at least a portion of the fourth effectivesensor field of view capturing the second end, wherein the first lateralside is adjacent to the second end; the third effective sensor field ofview overlapping with at least a portion of the first effective sensorfield of view capturing the first end and with at least a portion of thefourth effective sensor field of view capturing the second lateral side,wherein the second lateral side is adjacent to the first end; the fourtheffective sensor field of view overlapping with at least a portion ofthe second effective sensor field of view capturing the second end andwith at least a portion of the third effective sensor field capturingthe second lateral side, wherein the second lateral side is adjacent tothe second end; and the first sensor pod, second sensor pod, thirdsensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod are each mounted to a respectivearm extending from the exterior of the vehicle body such that the firstsensor pod, second sensor pod, third sensor pod, and the fourth sensorpod extend beyond a periphery of the vehicle body.
 13. The sensor systemof claim 12, the first effective sensor field of view of the firstsensor pod overlapping with at least a portion of the fourth effectivesensor field of view of the fourth sensor pod at a first distance fromthe vehicle.
 14. The sensor system of claim 12, wherein each respectivearm extends for a substantially similar distance from a different cornerof the vehicle body and substantially oblique to any side of the vehiclebody.
 15. The sensor system of claim 12, wherein three of the firsteffective sensor field of view, the second effective sensor field ofview, the third effective sensor field of view, or the fourth effectivesensor field of view collectively provide an effective vehicle field ofview of 360 degrees at a first distance from the vehicle.
 16. The sensorsystem of claim 12, wherein each of the first sensor pod, the secondsensor pod, the third sensor pod, and the fourth sensor pod protrude atleast an eight inch distance from a longitudinal end and at least aneight inch distance from a lateral side at a different respective cornerof the vehicle body.
 17. The sensor system of claim 12, the first sensorpod and third sensor pod comprising a first type of sensor pod, thesecond sensor pod and fourth sensor pod comprising a second type ofsensor pod, the second type of sensor pod being a mirror image of thefirst type of sensor pod.
 18. The sensor system of claim 12, furthercomprising another sensor disposed on the vehicle body separate from thefirst sensor pod, the second sensor pod, the third sensor pod, and thefourth sensor pod, wherein the other sensor has a fifth field of view,which overlaps with at least a portion of two of the first effectivesensor field of view, the second effective sensor field of view, thethird effective sensor field of view, or the fourth effective sensorfield of view.
 19. A vehicle comprising: a body having a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end distal to the firstlongitudinal end along a longitudinal axis; and a sensor pod removablycoupled to an arm attached to the body, the arm extending through apanel of the body at a corner of the body joining to two adjacent sidesof the vehicle and substantially oblique to the two adjacent sides ofthe vehicle, the sensor pod protruding at least an eight inch distancefrom the longitudinal end and at least an eight inch distance from alateral side of the body, and at an elevation above a ground interface,the elevation above five feet and within two feet of a top of the body,the sensor pod comprising a first sensor of a first type and a secondsensor of a second type and having an effective field of view comprisinga continuous and unobstructed view of the two adjacent sides.
 20. Thevehicle of claim 19, wherein the effective field of view is at least 260degrees and less than 360 degrees.